In a significant political development, V Priyadarshini has been elected as the new president of the Thiruvananthapuram district panchayat. The election, held on Saturday, marks a continuation of the Left Democratic Front's (LDF) administrative control in the crucial local body.
Election Results and Oath-Taking Ceremony
The formal election and swearing-in ceremony took place at the district panchayat hall. District Collector and Returning Officer Anu Kumari administered the oath of office to Priyadarshini. The event was attended by a host of local elected representatives and political leaders, underscoring its importance.
In the secret ballot held for the president's post, Priyadarshini, the LDF candidate from the Kallambalam division, secured 15 votes. Her opponent, United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Agnes Rani, received 13 votes. This outcome reflects the LDF's slender but comfortable majority in the newly constituted district panchayat, a result of the recent local body elections held earlier in December as part of the 2025 election cycle.
LDF Sweeps Leadership Posts
The LDF's success extended to the vice-president's post as well. In the same meeting, B P Murali, the LDF nominee from the Navaikulam division, was elected vice-president. He also received 15 votes, defeating UDF candidate Sajith Muttappalam, who polled 13 votes. Following his election, Murali administered the oath to the newly elected panchayat members.
The ceremony saw the presence of several prominent figures, including:
- Minister V Sivankutty
- MLAs Kadakampally Surendran, V Joy, D K Murali, and G Stephen
- Former district panchayat president D Suresh Kumar
- Numerous panchayat members
New President Outlines Vision and Priorities
Speaking after assuming office, President V Priyadarshini outlined her key focus areas. She stated that her administration would prioritize accelerating the development programmes initiated by the previous council. Her agenda includes a strong emphasis on welfare schemes and infrastructure projects across the entire district.
In post-ceremony interviews, Priyadarshini stressed the importance of inclusive governance. She pledged to strengthen the delivery of local services, with particular attention to rural road connectivity, sanitation facilities, and public health initiatives. Her comments pointed towards a people-centric approach aimed at addressing grassroots-level issues.
This leadership transition is a direct consequence of the local body elections that concluded in December, which encompassed all district panchayats, municipalities, and corporations across Kerala. The results have set the stage for the next phase of local governance in the state capital district.
