Thiruvananthapuram: Former DGP R Sreelekha, the BJP candidate from Vattiyoorkavu constituency for the April 9 Assembly polls, on Saturday highlighted women’s safety as a key issue, citing a personal bad experience during her service.

Speaking to a TV channel, Sreelekha said, “I too had a bad experience. I was in service at that time. But I dealt with it. Not everyone is able to.”

She recalled that there was a time when women could freely go for morning walks in the central areas of the state capital. “Now they do not due bad experiences in those areas,” she added.

Sreelekha said that if elected as an MLA after the April 9 polls, her experience as a police officer would help instill confidence and courage in the women of her constituency to venture out safely.

She emphasised that while development remains a top priority, women’s safety is an integral part of it.

On allegations from Congress leader and her competitor K Muraleedharan that BJP councillors were supporting the CPM candidate in the constituency, Sreelekha dismissed the claims as baseless.

“The BJP councillors have given me so much support that it has amazed me, and I am thankful for it,” she said.