‘I am a lifelong Modi devotee’: R Sreelekha IPS rules out quitting BJP

Thiruvananthapuram: Former Kerala Director General of Police (DGP) R Sreelekha on Sunday clarified that she had considered resigning as a councillor of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation because development works in her ward were being delayed.

The BJP leader said she had written to Mayor V V Rajesh expressing her inability to continue if the pending works were not completed. However, she decided to remain in office after senior party leaders offered support.

Why Sreelekha considered resigning

Sreelekha, who represents the Sasthamangalam ward, said she was under considerable pressure because of her public responsibilities and the lack of progress on civic issues. These included damaged roads, non-functional street lights, the absence of an Anganwadi and a primary health centre, and the need for a high-mast light.

She said the mayor forwarded her proposals to the relevant departments but alleged that officials delayed action. Sreelekha also described inadequate facilities at her councillor's office, including a malfunctioning printer and Wi-Fi connection and a damaged chair that caused her back pain.

Sreelekha rules out leaving the BJP

In a video message on her YouTube channel, Sreelekha said she had not resigned from the BJP and would remain a party member. She also ruled out joining another political party and described herself as a devoted supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

She said party leaders visited her while she was hospitalised after becoming unwell on September 30. Their support prompted her to continue as councillor, although she said she would currently be able to handle only urgent matters.

How the controversy emerged

The issue became public after a message attributed to Sreelekha in a residents' WhatsApp group said she had submitted a resignation letter to the mayor and planned to send a copy to the district collector on October 5.

The mayor initially acknowledged receiving a letter but later said no resignation letter existed. Sreelekha's latest clarification distinguishes her intention to resign over delayed civic works from any decision to leave the BJP.

The episode highlights the challenges elected municipal representatives can face when local development proposals remain pending with administrative departments. Sreelekha has attributed the delays to officials in the corporation, but her allegations do not independently establish the reasons for the pending work.

The matter also has political significance because the BJP holds a narrow majority in the 101-member Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, relying on the support of an Independent councillor. Sreelekha's decision to continue in office avoids an immediate change in the council's composition.