BJP Loses Mayoral Candidate as Kerala Police Chief Quits

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Former Kerala police chief and BJP state vice-president R Sreelekha has resigned as councillor of the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, months after she publicly expressed disappointment over not being made mayor after the party won control of the civic body.

As Sreelekha's tenure as mayoral candidate came to a close, she revealed that a last-minute party switch had left her feeling disillusioned. In October 2024, she had joined the BJP with the goal of securing the mayoral seat, only to see the party leadership opt for an alternative candidate at the eleventh hour.

Insiders suggest that the central leadership may have opted for this move to bolster the party's chances with Rajesh as mayor and Asha Nath as deputy mayor. A pairing that was seen as more effective by party officials.

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Sreelekha, who is Kerala's first woman IPS officer, had joined the BJP in 2024 and was presented as the party's mayoral face during the corporation elections. She had expressed her disappointment over not being made mayor after the BJP-led NDA won control of the civic body in December 2025.

Which marked a significant shift in the city's politics. As the BJP-led NDA won control of the Thiruvananthapuram municipal corporation, ending the CPI(M)-led LDF’s 45-year run. The 101-strong cooperation council, which has 50 NDA councillors, is a shows the BJP's growing strength in the state.

Sreelekha's resignation has left the BJP-led NDA's strength at the corporation down to 49, leaving the party's governance in a precarious position. The BJP has begun conciliation process with Sreelekha to save the party-led corporation. This is a significant challenge for the party, given its already tenuous grip on power in the state.

The CPI, which has been a long-time rival of the BJP in Kerala, has been quick to capitalize on the situation, with party leaders expressing confidence that the BJP's governance will be severely impacted by Sreelekha's resignation.

The resignation of R Sreelekha, who is also a former DGP, has sent shockwaves through the BJP's Kerala unit, with many party leaders expressing surprise and disappointment at her decision. The BJP's state leadership has been forced to re-evaluate its strategy. Given the sudden loss of a key ally and a prominent leader.

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The situation has also raised questions about the BJP's ability to maintain its grip on power in the state. Given the growing strength of its rivals. This includes the CPI and the LDF.

The resignation of R Sreelekha has left the BJP-led NDA's governance in a precarious position. With many fearing that the party's control of the corporation is under threat. The BJP has been ruling the corporation with the support of an independent councillor.

However, Sreelekha's resignation has left the party without a strong ally, leaving it vulnerable to opposition attacks. The situation has also raised concerns about the BJP's ability to deliver on its promises. Given the party's recent history of controversy and scandal.