Arya Rajendran, the outgoing Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram, will not participate in the 2025 local body elections, which has stirred considerable discussion in the political landscape. Her governance record remains a focal point in the campaign for the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. The CPI(M)'s decision to nominate her as Mayor in 2021 disrupted traditional political structures, prompting the Congress and BJP to adopt similar strategies in candidate selection for the upcoming elections. The BJP has nominated former DGP R. Sreelekha, while the Congress has chosen former MLA K. Sabarinathan, both seen as potential mayoral candidates. Political leaders are debating Rajendran's legacy, with some praising her achievements and others criticizing her impact on the community. Despite her absence, Rajendran's influence on the election narrative remains strong.