States » SouthPosted at: Oct 11 2026 2:50PM


'DGP to constable': BJP leader R Sreelekha opens up on struggles as Corporation councillor

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 11 (UNI) Former Kerala DGP and BJP leader R. Sreelekha has dismissed speculation about quitting the party, declaring herself a "Modi devotee" and affirming that she would remain with the BJP for the rest of her life, while attributing her decision to step away from councillor duties to mounting work pressure, bureaucratic hurdles and health concerns.
In an emotional video message shared on her YouTube channel, 'Sasneham Sreelekha', she detailed the difficulties she had encountered as the BJP councillor representing Sasthamangalam in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and explained why she had sought temporary relief from her responsibilities.
"How would a person who had served as a DGP feel if asked to perform a police constable's duties for five years? Similarly, asking an Army general to work as an ordinary soldier at the border would cause considerable difficulty. I am carrying out my responsibilities as a councillor despite enduring all these difficulties," she said.
Strongly rejecting reports that she might switch to the Congress, AAP, CPI(M) or Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, Sreelekha said her loyalty to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP remained unwavering.
"I am a Modi devotee. Modi ji has always been an object of admiration for me. I will never leave this party," she said, dismissing the speculation as baseless.
Sreelekha said she approached her work with sincerity but faced considerable mental strain when she could not resolve issues as quickly as people expected. Even minor delays in addressing civic complaints in her ward resulted in criticism in WhatsApp groups, with some residents questioning her effectiveness as a councillor.
She said she had sent messages and a letter to the Mayor after becoming distressed over the situation. Her decision to temporarily withdraw from the post was also influenced by health problems, as doctors had advised her to undergo treatment and take complete rest for around six to eight weeks.
Pointing to the lack of basic facilities in Sasthamangalam, she said the ward did not have an anganwadi or a primary health centre. Senior citizens had to travel to Nandancode for vaccinations and medicines, while a proposal to establish a public toilet remained pending despite land having been cleared for it.
The councillor's office was also inadequately equipped, with its computer, printer and Wi-Fi connection not functioning properly. She said she had worked for months sitting on a damaged chair that caused severe back pain.
Administrative delays and a lack of cooperation from officials had made it difficult to implement development proposals, she alleged. Sreelekha said she had submitted around 12 letters to the Mayor outlining various development requirements, but the proposals had failed to progress after being forwarded to the concerned sections.
She alleged that employees associated with the party that had governed the Corporation for the preceding 45 years were delaying proposals submitted by BJP councillors. Even basic works such as repairing streetlights, damaged roads and drainage systems were taking an inordinate amount of time, she said.
Beyond civic issues, she said people from Thiruvananthapuram and other parts of Kerala frequently approached her with personal problems involving family disputes, financial matters, educational admissions, passports and boundary disputes. Such requests added to her workload, particularly when the matters were beyond her authority or could not be resolved through the intervention of a councillor.
Sreelekha said she was also expected to attend funerals, weddings and other social functions, including on Sundays, leaving little time for rest. Although she had maintained a routine of pranayama, meditation and exercise, she had been unable to follow it for the past nine months.
She said she eventually experienced high blood pressure, palpitations and severe headaches, prompting her to consult a doctor. Medical advice included strict treatment and complete rest for approximately one-and-a-half to two months.
Explaining why she wanted to step aside temporarily, she said her inability to attend office during recovery could delay the signing of pension applications, scholarship documents and housing-related forms, causing inconvenience to residents. She therefore preferred to remain an ordinary party worker until she recovered sufficiently to resume her responsibilities.
She said she had conveyed her decision to the Mayor and the District Collector on September 30 and later informed a WhatsApp group about it while undergoing treatment in hospital.
Expressing resentment over the subsequent media coverage, Sreelekha alleged that the issue had been sensationalised and that journalists had gathered outside her residence and contacted her family members, driver and son, causing considerable distress.
She also rejected reports that her decision was connected with disappointment over not being appointed to the National Commission for Women in Delhi. She said she had neither sought nor desired such a position and found it difficult to remain in Delhi even for two or three days.
Referring to her earlier service in the CBI, she said she had opted for premature repatriation and returned to Kerala, as she had always preferred to work in the state.
Sreelekha said the controversy had helped her identify those who genuinely supported her and those who criticised her. She expressed pain over social media posts accusing her of betrayal, particularly from people she had trusted, and questioned whom she had deceived.
Maintaining that her decision was driven by concern for the public and a desire not to leave residents without essential services, she said it was unfortunate that her intentions had been misunderstood.
She also expressed pride in being appointed BJP state vice-president within two years of joining the party and in being part of the Corporation after the BJP assumed power in the city for the first time. She said she had participated in the committee that elected the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
Expressing confidence in the BJP's future, Sreelekha predicted that the party would continue to govern the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation for the next 20 to 30 years and eventually form the government in Kerala.
She said senior BJP leaders had visited her in hospital, offered support and assured her that the party needed her. The party was also helping address urgent matters during her absence, she added.
Reaffirming her political position, Sreelekha said she would resume her activities after recovering fully and remain a disciplined and proud BJP member for the rest of her life.
UNI DS
Tags: #'DGP to constable': BJP leader R Sreelekha opens up on struggles as Corporation councillor
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