Election Commission Bars BJP Candidate R. Sreelekha from Using ‘IPS’ Title in Campaign
The Election Commission has issued a directive to former Director General of Police (DGP) R. Sreelekha, instructing her to refrain from using the ‘IPS’ designation alongside her name on election campaign materials. Sreelekha, a prominent BJP candidate, is contesting from the Sasthamangalam ward in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation elections. This move by the Election Commission aims to ensure fair electoral practices by preventing candidates from leveraging former official titles during their campaigns.
The BJP is making concerted efforts to secure a victory in the highly competitive Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, a significant local body in the state capital. Alongside Sreelekha, the party has also introduced former Indian athlete Padmini Thomas into the electoral fray, signaling a strategic push with well-known public figures.
R. Sreelekha, 65, retired as DGP in 2020, marking the culmination of a distinguished career. She holds the distinction of being Kerala’s first woman IPS officer, a title she earned in 1987. Following her retirement, Sreelekha transitioned into politics, joining the Bharatiya Janata Party, citing her continued interest in public service and administrative reforms as her motivation.
The BJP’s candidate list for the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation elections also features other notable personalities and experienced politicians. Among them are Thampanoor Satheesh and K. Maheswaran Nair, both former General Secretaries of the District Congress Committee, who have now aligned with the BJP. Several incumbent councillors are also set to re-contest their seats, including V.V. Rajesh, M.R. Gopan, P. Ashok Kumar, Ashanath G.S., Karamana Ajith, V.G. Girikumar, Papanancode Saji, and Simi Jyotish. Due to rotational reservation policies, some of these councillors will be vying for victory from new wards.
In the 2020 Corporation elections, the BJP had significantly increased its representation, boosting its tally from six seats in 2010 to 35 in 2015, with aspirations of taking control of the civic body. However, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) ultimately retained its administrative power. Currently, within the 100-member Thiruvananthapuram Corporation council, the LDF holds a majority with 52 seats, while the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP, occupies 35 seats, and the United Democratic Front (UDF) holds 10 seats. This election is crucial for all parties as they vie for dominance in the capital’s local governance.