The BJP suffered a significant setback in Kerala’s capital after losing a crucial by-election to the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, falling short of the majority required to secure control of the civic body. The defeat comes after the party had made its first breakthrough in the traditionally Left-dominated corporation.
By-Election Triggered By Candidate’s Death
The by-election was held in the Vizhinjam ward following the death of an independent councillor, necessitating a re-poll. Voting took place on Monday.
United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate K.H. Sudhir Khan defeated Left Democratic Front (LDF) nominee N. Noushad by a margin of 83 votes.
Vote Share And Results
Sudhir Khan secured 2,902 votes, while Noushad polled 2,819. The BJP candidate, Sarvashakthipuram Binu, finished third with 2,437 votes.
With this outcome, the BJP remains one seat short of the majority in the 101-member corporation. The majority mark stands at 51, while the BJP currently holds 50 seats, forcing it to depend on the support of independent councillors.
Impact On Party Strength In The Corporation
The UDF increased its tally from 19 to 20 seats, doubling its strength compared to its performance in the 2015 civic polls. The CPI lost another ward, while the LDF’s overall strength in the corporation remains at 29 seats.
Amit Shah’s Kerala Poll Claim
The by-election result comes days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed confidence that the BJP would win the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. Speaking in Thiruvananthapuram on January 11, 2026, Shah said the party’s support base in Kerala was steadily expanding across urban and rural areas and claimed the BJP would form the next state government.