Retired DGP R. Sreelekha quits as councillor in BJP-led Thiruvananthapuram Corporation

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R. Sreelekha had won from the Sasthamangalam ward on a BJP ticket. | Photo Credit: NIRMAL HARINDRAN

Retired DGP R. Sreelekha has resigned as a councillor in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation in Keralam, officials said on Saturday (October 3, 2026).

Mayor V.V. Rajesh told reporters that he had received her resignation letter, in which she cited personal inconveniences, and that discussions on the matter were under way.

Ms. Sreelekha, who won from the Sasthamangalam ward on a BJP ticket, tendered her resignation on September 30 and will submit a copy to the District Collector on October 5, party sources said.

There were reports that she was dissatisfied at not being made Mayor, despite being projected as the party’s candidate for the post during last year’s local body elections.

The BJP came to power in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation for the first time, with a narrow majority of 51 councillors, including the support of an Independent, in the 101-member civic body. With Ms. Sreelekha’s resignation, the ruling front’s strength has come down to 50.

Ms. Sreelekha also contested the April Assembly election from Vattiyurkavu but lost to Congress leader K. Muraleedharan.

She is the first woman IPS officer in Keralam and the first woman to attain the rank of DGP in the State.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Rajesh said: “Personal inconveniences are natural. When working as public representatives, we often encounter inconveniences in many matters. Whatever can be resolved, we will resolve as we go.”

He denied any controversy behind the move and said the party’s position in the Corporation would not be affected.

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