CM Pinarayi Vijayan Alleges BJP-Congress Cooperation in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Election

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that in the local body elections, the BJP and Congress in Thiruvananthapuram had functioned with mutual cooperation. In areas where the UDF won, both the BJP and UDF saw a significant drop in votes, and in areas where the BJP won, the UDF’s votes were greatly reduced. The Chief Minister noted in a press conference that this is not something that usually happens.

The LDF still secured the highest number of votes in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. In around 12 seats, the LDF lost by fewer than 60 votes. In the 26 wards where the BJP won, the UDF received fewer than a thousand votes. In the 11 seats won by the UDF, the BJP received fewer than a thousand votes. This clearly shows that in Thiruvananthapuram, the BJP and Congress contested with mutual cooperation. The election results will also be analysed for other relevant factors.

The BJP and Congress carried out extensive campaigning regarding Sabarimala. However, the state government had no confusion on the matter. The government’s position is that if any kind of malpractice occurs, strict action will be taken. When the High Court appointed a special investigation team, the government fully cooperated. The investigation team has been taking effective measures.

The public and government actions have been evaluated positively. The Sabarimala issue should have had the greatest impact in Pathanamthitta. However, the BJP lost control of Puthalam Municipality, which they had previously held, and the LDF came to power there. Kodungallur Municipality also did not go to the BJP as expected, and the LDF made gains there too. Meanwhile, in Palakkad Municipality, where Congress was the main opposition, the BJP continues in power. The election results indicate that the LDF has been the most effective in countering the BJP.

The overall results in the local elections did not meet the expectations of the LDF. The situation will be thoroughly analysed, considering all aspects. Corrections will be made if necessary. Some have portrayed Vellappally Natesan getting into a car as if it were a grave offence. In reality, he came along when the Chief Minister was going to attend a programme at Pamba. Vellappally also got into the car when the Chief Minister left to attend the event, he said.