Minister Sivankutty Hints at Higher Roles for Arya Rajendran Amidst Non-Contest Decision
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – In a significant political development, it has been confirmed that Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation Mayor Arya Rajendran will not contest the upcoming local body elections. Rajendran, who gained national attention as the youngest mayor in the state, has sparked widespread speculation regarding her next political move. Addressing these queries, Minister V. Sivankutty offered a cryptic yet promising statement, suggesting that Rajendran is destined for “better positions” in the future, metaphorically stating, “You can’t make a student who studied in 10th grade sit in 8th grade.”
Minister Sivankutty’s remarks come amidst ongoing discussions about Rajendran’s potential shift in political operations to the Kozhikode district. This speculation is fueled by her husband, Balussery MLA K.M. Sachin Dev, residing in Kozhikode. Currently, Mayor Rajendran manages the demanding responsibilities of her office in Thiruvananthapuram while also raising her child in the capital city. Party sources in Kozhikode informed NDTV that the geographical separation of her family and considerations at the party level have prompted internal discussions within the CPM to actively explore the possibility of her relocating her political work to Kozhikode.
The decision regarding Arya Rajendran’s non-participation in the forthcoming municipal corporation elections has already ignited a fierce political debate between the BJP and the CPM. BJP State President Rajeev Chandrashekhar alleged that the CPM withdrew her from the contest out of fear, particularly in light of the BJP’s campaign focusing on development. “They are scared. That’s why Arya is not contesting,” Chandrashekhar claimed.
However, CPM State Secretary M.V. Govindan swiftly refuted these claims, asserting that fear has no bearing on Rajendran’s withdrawal. He clarified that even if she were to contest and win, internal party arrangements would only allow her to assume the role of Deputy Mayor. Govindan’s statement suggests a strategic decision rather than a retreat.
CPM’s unexpected decision in 2021 to nominate Arya Rajendran as Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, effectively shattering age barriers, appears to have inspired similar dramatic turns in candidate selection for the 2025 elections from both the Congress and BJP. There are already rumors circulating that the BJP might field former DGP R. Sreelekha for the Mayor’s post in the Sasthamangalam ward. The Congress has also hinted at a similar strategy by deciding to field former MLA K. Sabarinathan in the Kavadiyar ward, with strong indications that he could be the UDF’s mayoral candidate. These developments underscore the evolving political landscape and strategic realignments in Thiruvananthapuram’s local body elections.