Thiruvananthapuram Corporation: R. Sreelekha’s resignation bid puts BJP in a spot

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Thiruvananthapuram faces a potential setback as former IPS officer R. Sreelekha may resign from her position as a ward councillor, the party’s representative in the 101-ward Municipal Corporation. Sreelekha’s departure would see the BJP’s seat count in the civic body drop from 50 to 49, prompting the party to reassess its grip on the high-profile municipal body. Should she formally tender her resignation, a bypoll in the Sasthamangalam ward would be necessary, adding to the party’s woes.

Among the two independents in the council, the BJP enjoys the support of Pattoor Radhakrishnan, who heads the town planning standing committee. The other independent councillor, Sudheesh Kumar from the Poundkadavu ward, while not openly aligned with the BJP, had previously backed the party in a contentious issue surrounding leave extension for BJP councillor R. Sugathan, who is currently incarcerated under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act.

The BJP does not immediately face the risk of losing the Corporation, as it maintains more seats than the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF). Experts suggest that the slim possibility of these opposing fronts joining forces to oust the BJP from power is minimal. During the 2025 local body polls in Kerala, the BJP wrested Thiruvananthapuram Corporation from the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), securing a total of 50 seats. Prior to this, the LDF held 29 seats, while the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) won 19.

Mayor V.V. Rajesh stated that Sreelekha cited personal inconveniences as the reason for her potential resignation and that the BJP is attempting to "resolve issues." The LDF and the UDF are closely monitoring the situation. T.P. Ramakrishnan, LDF convener, declared that the district committees of the CPI(M) and the LDF will issue a definitive stance once they assess the developments.

Meanwhile, Congress leader and UDF Parliamentary Party leader in the council, K.S. Sabarinadhan, expressed confidence that his party can secure victory in a bypoll, noting that Sreelekha has been inactive in her ward for the past six months.