Thiruvananthapuram: Former DGP and BJP councillor in Thiruvananthapuram corporation R Sreelekha has reiterated that she had joined the corporation with the expectation of becoming mayor, expressing disappointment over being confined to the role of a councillor. In a video posted on her YouTube channel, ‘Sasneham Sreelekha’, on Sunday, she also revealed that she had considered resigning because of prolonged delays in development works in her ward.However, neither mayor V V Rajesh nor any other BJP member has responded to her latest remarks.Sreelekha, who represents Sasthamangalam ward, said she had been struggling to address residents’ complaints despite approaching the mayor with proposals for resolving local issues. These included damaged roads, non-functional streetlights, the absence of an anganwadi and a primary health centre, and the need for a high-mast light.She said the mayor promptly forwarded her proposals to the departments concerned, but the officials delayed action. She also spoke about the difficulties she faced while working as a councillor, including inadequate facilities at her office and the pressure of attending to residents’ needs even on Sundays.Sreelekha said she submitted a letter to Rajesh on Sept 30 expressing her inability to continue if the pending works were not completed. She clarified that she had not resigned from the BJP and would remain a party member. She also said that she would continue as a councillor.“There were media reports that I resigned and left the party. Luckily, I did not see it; I was in hospital for a treatment,” she said. “I have not resigned from the party. I will remain in the BJP proudly till my death. I will not go to any party. I am a Modi bhakt,” Sreelekha said.She also compared her experience as a municipal councillor to a police chief being asked to perform a constable’s duties.The controversy over her resignation surfaced on Oct 3, when a message in a WhatsApp group of Sasthamangalam residents said she had submitted her resignation to the mayor and would hand over a copy to the district collector. The development triggered speculation about differences between Sreelekha and the BJP leadership.The mayor initially confirmed receiving a letter from her, but later maintained that she would continue as councillor. Following discussions with senior party functionaries, Sreelekha decided against proceeding with her resignation.Her latest remarks have also revived the debate over her disappointment at being denied the mayoral post after the BJP-led NDA secured control of the corporation in the Dec 2025 local body elections, ending the CPM-led LDF’s 45-year rule.Sreelekha had earlier said she agreed to contest the corporation election after being given the impression that she would be considered for the mayor’s post. BJP eventually chose Rajesh for the position.The 101-member corporation is currently governed by NDA with the support of an independent councillor, making Sreelekha’s continuation in the party and the council politically significant.
