The BJP city district committee has sent three names—P.L. Babu, Radhika Varma, and Sreekuttan Thundathil—to the Kerala State leadership. These are candidates for the chairperson post of Tripunithura municipality. The recent local body polls left the municipality hung. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) emerged as the single largest bloc. The municipal council has 53 seats: NDA won 21, LDF 20, and UDF 12. This is the first time BJP is the largest party in any municipality within Ernakulam district. P.L. Babu, winner from Valiyathara ward, is a second-term councillor. Radhika Varma, from Ambalam ward, is a three-time councillor. Sreekuttan Thundathil won his maiden election from Pereekkadu ward after losing a decade ago. Currently, Mr. Babu is BJP central zone general secretary. Ms. Varma is a BJP State Council member. Mr. Thundathil is BJP city district committee general secretary. BJP sources said the final chairperson will be chosen from these three after state leadership approval. Ms. Varma is considered despite no reservation for women due to her experience. Both Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF) have ruled out joining forces to block BJP now. They will each field separate candidates for chairperson and deputy chairperson posts. Traditionally, LDF has been strong in Tripunithura since 1978 and had a majority in the last term. BJP’s rise was swift. In 2010, it won one seat. By 2015, it gained 13 seats and became the main opposition, pushing out UDF. In 2020, BJP increased to 15 seats, adding two more in by-elections later. With NDA likely to assume control, Tripunithura municipality could see its first BJP-led chairperson in Ernakulam district.