Despite being widely tipped as a frontrunner, former DGP and Kerala’s first woman IPS officer R Sreelekha has been ruled out of both mayor and deputy mayor posts in Thiruvananthapuram, following internal opposition and last-minute leadership intervention.
Thiruvananthpuram: R Sreelekha’s exit from the Thiruvananthapuram mayoral race is the result of internal differences within the BJP and strategic considerations by the party’s central leadership. Although her name dominated early discussions, a section of party leaders opposed her elevation and formally raised objections with the central leadership.
Early frontrunner in BJP’s mayoral discussions
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Following the BJP-led NDA’s historic emergence as the single largest bloc in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, R Sreelekha quickly emerged as a leading contender for the mayor’s post. Her victory from the Sasthamangalam ward and her stature as the state’s first woman IPS officer were seen as major symbolic advantages for the party, particularly after decades of Left dominance in the civic body.
In the final phase of internal deliberations, Sreelekha reportedly enjoyed priority consideration, with party assessments suggesting that her appointment could strengthen the BJP’s image ahead of the forthcoming Assembly elections.
Internal opposition within BJP
Despite the early momentum, resistance began building within sections of the BJP. A group of leaders opposed Sreelekha’s elevation and submitted complaints to the central leadership questioning her suitability for the mayoral role. These internal objections significantly altered the trajectory of the selection process.
As tensions surfaced, senior BJP leaders, including state general secretary S Suresh and Thiruvananthapuram district president Karamana Jayan, paid an urgent visit to Sreelekha, signalling that the leadership was reassessing its options.
RSS backing shifts focus to V V Rajesh
Sources indicate that the intervention of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) proved decisive. With the RSS backing V V Rajesh, the central leadership is understood to have swung its support behind him, pushing his name to the forefront for the mayoral post.
Subsequently, the BJP’s central leadership proposed Rajesh’s name, effectively ending Sreelekha’s prospects of becoming mayor, despite earlier expectations.
Not considered for deputy mayor either
The reshuffle did not stop with the mayoral post. R Sreelekha was also excluded from consideration for the deputy mayor’s position. Indications suggest that Asha Nath is likely to be named deputy mayor instead, further underlining the leadership’s decision to sideline Sreelekha from the corporation’s top posts.
Party’s official stand
BJP district president Karamana Jayan stated that the final decision on the mayoral post rests with the state party president. He said the opinions of all councillors were collected and forwarded, and stressed that disciplined party workers must accept the leadership’s decision.
Jayan described Sreelekha as a committed BJP leader who has been associated with the party for the past one and a half years and said she is prepared to accept whatever decision the leadership takes.
Possible future role for Sreelekha
While Sreelekha has been ruled out of the mayoral and deputy mayoral race, party sources suggest she may be fielded from a winnable Assembly constituency in Thiruvananthapuram. This indicates that the BJP continues to see electoral value in her public profile, even if she is not being positioned at the civic leadership level for now.
NDA’s position in the corporation
The NDA secured 50 seats in the 101-member Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, falling just one short of the simple majority mark of 51. The CPI(M)-led LDF won 29 seats, the Congress-led UDF secured 19, and two seats went to Independents. Despite lacking an outright majority, the NDA’s position as the single largest bloc has strengthened its claim to the mayor’s post, with V V Rajesh now emerging as the consensus choice.
Background on R Sreelekha
R Sreelekha retired as Director General of Police in 2020 and later joined the BJP, becoming one of the party’s prominent faces in Kerala. She is credited with major administrative interventions during her service, including efforts to reduce road fatalities, and earned the nickname “Raid Sreelekha” for high-profile operations during her tenure with the CBI. Her entry into electoral politics marked a significant moment for the BJP in Kerala, even as her mayoral ambitions have now been deferred.
Published: 25 Dec 2025, 05:24 pm IST
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