THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP has won its first mayoral election in Kerala, with its state secretary V V Rajesh being elected to the top post of Thiruvananthapuram municipal corporation in polls held for mayors and deputy mayors in six civic bodies in the state on Friday.Rajesh, an advocate, has been active in politics for more than two decades, serving in organizational roles, including as BJP Thiruvananthapuram district president. This is his second term as a councillor. He secured 51 votes, including the crucial backing from independent councillor Pattoor Radhakrishnan, giving NDA a simple majority in the 101-member corporation.This is the first time NDA will be governing a city corporation in Kerala. Women mayors were elected in three corporations – Kochi, Thrissur and Kannur. These posts were reserved for women.Meanwhile, Kollam corporation got its first UDF mayor in A K Hafees after the Congress-led front’s historic win.
