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Ex-Kerala DGP Sreelekha Backs BJP's Mayor Pick, Ends Speculation

Former Kerala DGP and BJP Councillor R. Sreelekha has publicly stated her support for the party's decision to elect V.V. Rajesh as the Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram, quelling media speculation about her dissatisfaction. She committed to serving her full five-year term as a Councillor, acknowledging her responsibility to the voters who elected her. Sreelekha also ruled out contesting the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, despite earlier indications she might be compensated with a ticket. Her statement follows the BJP's historic victory in the municipal corporation, which ended the CPI(M)-led LDF's four-decade-long rule.

Key Points: Ex-DGP Sreelekha Supports BJP's Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Decision

  • Sreelekha ends speculation of discontent
  • Vows to serve full 5-year term as Councillor
  • Rules out contesting Kerala Assembly elections
  • BJP ended LDF's 40-year rule in civic body
2 min read

'I support the party's decision on Thiruvananthapuram Mayoral post: Ex-Kerala DGP Sreelekha

Former Kerala DGP R. Sreelekha clarifies she supports BJP's choice of V.V. Rajesh as Mayor, vows to serve full term as Councillor, and rules out Assembly polls.

"I support the party's decision and will not quit or challenge the party. - R. Sreelekha"

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 5

Former Kerala Director General of Police and Bharatiya Janata Party Councillor, R. Sreelekha, has laid all media speculations to rest that she was upset with not being made the Thiruvananthapuram Mayor, saying that she supports the party's decision to elect V.V. Rajesh for the civic body's Mayor post which the party won by a large victory margin recently in the civic body polls held in the state.

However, following the BJP's historic victory, senior leader V.V. Rajesh was elected as Kerala's first BJP Mayor.

"I support the party's decision and will not quit or challenge the party," Sreelekha told IANS.

The BJP wrested control of the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation in the December elections, ending the 40-year rule of the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF).

"I will work as a Councillor for the full five-year term and will not quit midway, as I have a responsibility towards the voters who elected me," Sreelekha told IANS.

She also ruled out contesting the Kerala Assembly elections, despite recent indications from BJP leaders that she could be fielded from an 'A' category constituency as a compensation measure for not being named the Thiruvananthapuram Mayor.

Sreelekha said the party might have taken the decision after assessing that Rajesh could perform better as Mayor than her.

Speaking to reporters, Sreelekha, a state BJP Vice-President, said she had never intended to contest the election but decided to do so only after receiving assurances from party leaders that she would be appointed Mayor of the state capital.

The BJP Councillor said she was unaware of what transpired in the decision-making process for the Mayoral post after the party's electoral victory.

Earlier, the remarks by former Kerala DGP Sreelekha regarding the Thiruvananthapuram mayoral post had triggered a political storm within the party, which is pinning high hopes on the upcoming Assembly elections in the state later this year.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While her statement is dignified, it's a bit disappointing. A former DGP as Mayor would have been a powerful symbol of women's leadership and administrative experience in Kerala. The party missed an opportunity here. Hope Rajesh proves his mettle.
R
Rohit P
The real story is BJP breaking the 40-year LDF rule! That's historic for Kerala politics. Who becomes Mayor is secondary. The focus should be on how the new council delivers for the people of Trivandrum. No more excuses now.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see this internal dynamic. She says she was assured the post. This kind of internal promise-breaking can demotivate grassroots workers. The party leadership needs to be more transparent in its processes to maintain trust.
V
Vikram M
Full marks to Sreelekha madam for her commitment to serve her full term as Councillor. That's the spirit! Voters elected her, and she's honoring that. That's more important than any post. Hope she brings her policing experience to improve civic safety and order.
K
Karthik V
BJP's first Mayor in Kerala! 🎉 Big moment. Let's see if they can transform the capital city and set an example for the rest of the state. The Assembly elections are the next big test. This Mayor decision will be judged by its results on the ground.

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