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Kerala News

The New Indian Express News

Kerala / The New Indian Express

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Sreelekha or Rajesh? Decision could shape BJPs capital story

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The race for the mayors chair has emerged as a key strategic challenge for the BJP in Thiruvananthapuram corporation, with the party yet to take a final call between senior councillor V V Rajesh and former DGP R Sreelekha. While both leaders enjoy strong backing within the party, the decision is being closely watched as it is expected to signal the BJPs long-term political approach in the Kerala capital. A section in the party is pressing for Rajesh, citing his long experience in the corporation and his organisational capacity. Another section, however, believes that elevating Sreelekha the first woman IPS officer of Kerala as the first BJP mayor of Thiruvananthapuram would give the party significant political mileage and help project a distinct governance model. However, this option presents a complication. The deputy mayors post is reserved for a woman, which means if Sreelekha is made mayor, Rajesh would be left without a mayoral position, a scenario that has triggered intense internal discussions. Some party leaders point out that when the LDF appointed Arya Rajendran as the mayor at the age of 21, it initially gave the Left considerable publicity. However, her tenure later drew criticism, diminishing the impact of that decision. BJP insiders say the party now wants a high-profile and credible face who can be consistently projected as an example of BJPs politics with a difference. True to its tendency of opting for unconventional yet high-impact choices, BJP is widely believed to be inclined towards Sreelekha. Sources indicate that if both central and state leaderships decide to hand her the mayors post, Rajesh is likely to be accommodated with a ticket for the upcoming assembly elections. In such a scenario, senior councillor Manju G S who has won three terms, twice from Kalady (2015, 2025) and once from Karamana (2020) is likely to be considered for the deputy mayors post. Interestingly, neither Rajesh nor Sreelekha has publicly expressed any preference or dissatisfaction. Both leaders have maintained that the decision rests entirely with the party leadership. Thiruvanthapuram mayor chair: Possible scenarios Option 1: R Sreelekha If R Sreelekha is appointed as the first BJP mayor of the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, the deputy mayors post is likely to be given to an experienced councillor like Manju G S, as the position is reserved for a woman. In that case, senior leader V V Rajesh is expected to be accommodated with a seat in the upcoming assembly elections. Option 2: V V Rajesh If the BJP decides to appoint experienced councillor V V Rajesh as the mayor, R Sreelekha is likely to be named deputy mayor. In such a scenario, the party may also project Sreelekha as a strong candidate for the upcoming assembly elections, possibly from Vattiyoorkavu.

15 Dec 2025 8:48 am