Kerala: From turning into the primary girl within the state of Kerala to change into an IPS officer in 1987 to turning into the primary girl within the state to be promoted to the DGP rank in 2017, Ms. R. Sreelekha has achieved many firsts in her civil service profession spanning over 33 years.
She is credited with decreasing the variety of site visitors fatalities throughout her tenure as Secretary of Transportation, however this alteration was additionally because of coverage measures. She additionally earned the nickname “Raid Sreelekha” for her high-profile operations as an agent of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
5 years after her retirement, Sreelekha is now able to attempt her hand at politics. Within the upcoming native physique polls, a 1987-batch Kerala cadre officer will likely be contesting from Thiruvananthapuram’s Sasthamangalam constituency. A yr after she joined the social gathering, the Bharatiya Janata Occasion fielded her.
Her tenure with the Bharatiya Janata Occasion can also be thought of vital as she had a tense relationship with the Left Democratic Entrance (LDF) authorities in direction of the tip of that time period. Sreelekha spoke out about systemic sexism in her profession and even skipped a proper farewell on her final day on the job.
Talking to ThePrint about his foray into electoral politics, Sreelekha mentioned his candidacy would ship a constructive message to the individuals.
“That is historic. Nowhere else has fielded retired IPS officers in panchayat polls. I believe solely the BJP can try this. It is a chance for the BJP to point out the those that it needs its senior officers to work on the grassroots,” she mentioned.
A victory would mark the start of her political profession. Her candidacy can also be of nice significance for the Bharatiya Janata Occasion. The social gathering has been working exhausting to wrest management of the Thiruvananthapuram Company and enhance its vote share within the state.
A number of Bharatiya Janata Occasion leaders contacted by ThePrint mentioned that the social gathering excessive command and Union House Minister Amit Shah are instantly monitoring the native physique elections.
In Kerala, the Bharatiya Janata Occasion has but to realize vital success in state-wide elections. Nonetheless, social gathering insiders say the social gathering is aiming to safe 25% of the votes within the upcoming panchayat polls. These elections are seen as a curtain raiser earlier than subsequent yr’s state legislative vote.
Within the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP-led Nationwide Democratic Alliance received 19.24 per cent of the votes in Kerala. He additionally registered his first Lok Sabha victory within the state from Thrissur. We’re at present trying to broaden our base within the southern states.
Nonetheless, state-based political analyst KP Sethnath echoed related sentiments, saying retired IPS officers could not be capable of make any vital impression.
“She would not have a lot affect among the many BJP cadre or the individuals. So she could not find yourself with a lot affect. However she sees this election as a matter of status and is working very exhausting on it,” Sethnath mentioned.
The Communist Occasion of India (Marxist) additionally shared this view.
CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan advised the media that the social gathering is wanting ahead to standard candidates who’re already energetic among the many individuals.
“Whether or not you might be an MLA or a DGP, it would not matter. The CPI(M) candidate is aware of the individuals and their issues,” he mentioned.
Additionally learn: CPI’s Binoy Viswam mentioned, “LDF was seen to have collapsed as a result of battle between PM and SHRI, however we resolved it amicably.”
Three Rekha marketing campaign
Sreelekha, who retired in 2020, joined the Bharatiya Janata Occasion in October 2024 within the presence of the then state social gathering chairman Okay. Surendran. She is the third retired IPS officer from Kerala to affix the BJP after retirement. Earlier than her, former DGP Jacob Thomas joined the BJP in 2021 and TP Senkumar joined the social gathering in 2017.
“All three IPS cadres joined the social gathering as a result of they have been properly conscious of the mismanagement of the LDF and UDF governments right here. As soon as they joined the social gathering, they labored as extraordinary cadres,” declared Thiruvananthapuram BJP deputy chief Sreevaraha Vijayan.
Sreelekha, who contested from Thiruvananthapuram’s Sasthamangalam district, began campaigning on November 12 together with native social gathering leaders.
The chief has maintained a peaceful demeanor whereas going door to door with voters. She usually begins with a quick introduction as a candidate for the Bharatiya Janata Occasion.
“I do not want an introduction from you. I used to be so comfortable to see you preventing. I believed you have been going to vote for Congress. That is your probability to serve. You’ll win,” the voter mentioned as he entered his dwelling.
Sreelekha mentioned that other than the uniform, there may be not a lot distinction between her profession and her present political actions, and that she has acquired a heat welcome from many households.
“Earlier, I wore khaki, now I put on saffron. That is it,” she mentioned, including that now she will work instantly for the individuals on the grassroots as a political chief.
He mentioned forward of the panchayat polls, the social gathering is stressing the necessity for corruption-free authorities, general social infrastructure growth and use of expertise for civic points similar to street infrastructure and waste administration.
Managarat Manoj, a neighborhood BJP employee who’s taking part within the district election marketing campaign, advised ThePrint that Sreelekha “wants no introduction” and the social gathering is assured of her victory.
Manoj additional mentioned that the Bharatiya Janata Occasion, which has 35 members in Thiruvananthapuram Company in 100 wards, is actively concerned in points in rural areas, which has boosted the arrogance of its members.
profession and controversy
Of Sreelekha’s 33-year profession, he’s greatest recognized for his tenure as Secretary of Transportation. From 2013 to 2015, the division was credited with producing extra income and recording fewer street fatalities and accidents.
Apart from the Transport Division, she has served as Extra Director Basic of Police within the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Division, DGP heading the Kerala Hearth and Rescue Division, and as Inspector Basic of Police and Deputy Inspector Basic of Police in a number of districts.
Nonetheless, her profession was not with out controversy.
In 2016, Sreelekha wrote in a Fb put up that Tomin Tachankary, a now retired IPS officer, had harassed her for 29 years and conspired to have her file a surveillance case on tax evasion fees.
Sreelekha as soon as once more attracted consideration in 2022 when she mentioned in an interview with Malayalam’s Manorama that she had carried out favors for actor Dileep when he was in jail for assaulting an actress in 2017. She claimed to know the actor personally and mentioned the care she supplied was out of kindness.
In the identical interview, she claimed that feminine cops inside the system are topic to widespread sexual harassment. She additionally mentioned that she intervened to save lots of the girl police officer from the senior DGP. Sreelekha added that she too confronted intercourse discrimination and insubordination from cops. She says this habits wouldn’t have occurred if she have been a person.
On the time, the Kerala Police Affiliation dismissed these allegations.
“Within the police power, it was unhealthy as a result of I used to be the primary girl IPS officer. Generally, too, ladies are underrepresented and aren’t given alternatives within the mainstream. However on the earth of politics, there isn’t any such factor. In native physique polls, there may be 50 per cent reservation and many ladies are strolling with me from 7 am within the morning for campaigning,” Sreelekha advised ThePrint.
(Edited by Madhurita Goswami)
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