Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent public address in Thiruvananthapuram included a notable mention of Mayor V.V. Rajesh, sparking political interest. Despite the Mayor’s absence from the airport reception for the Prime Minister, he was later seen alongside Modi at official events in the city. Modi’s warm words, calling Rajesh “the pride of Thiruvananthapuram” and “my old friend,” resonated with attendees, emphasizing Rajesh’s political journey within the BJP.
The Prime Minister’s deliberate recognition of Rajesh’s role, despite not mentioning other party leaders present, highlighted the Mayor’s significance to the BJP in Kerala. Rajesh’s election as the first BJP Mayor in Kerala marked a historic milestone following the party’s victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. Modi’s emphasis on Rajesh’s political ascent was seen as a symbolic endorsement of the BJP’s grassroots growth in the state, adding a personal and political dimension to his visit.
The Prime Minister’s gesture of walking a few steps with Rajesh after the event further underscored the importance the BJP places on its civic success in Kerala.
