Ex-DGP Sreelekha Wins Left's Fort Thiruvananthapuram. Know Who Is She

The BJP on Saturday scripted a historic political breakthrough in Kerala by capturing the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation from the CPI(M), ending 45 years of uninterrupted Left control over the state capital's civic body. The landmark victory also saw Kerala's first woman IPS officer emerge as a key face of the saffron party's surge.

Retired DGP R Sreelekha delivered a commanding win in the Sasthamangalam division, securing one of the biggest victory margins ever recorded in the ward. Her triumph has sparked political speculation over her potential elevation as mayor - a move that would make her the BJP's first mayor in Thiruvananthapuram.

Responding to questions on the possibility, Sreelekha said the decision rested with the party leadership. "I understand that no candidate has ever secured such a margin in the Sasthamangalam ward. I thank the people for their overwhelming support," she told reporters after the results.

In the 101-member Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 50 wards. The CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front won 29 seats, while the Congress-led United Democratic Front secured 19. Two wards were claimed by independent candidates.

Born and raised in Thiruvananthapuram, Sreelekha became Kerala's first woman IPS officer in January 1987. Over a career spanning more than three decades, she served across multiple districts and held key positions in agencies such as the CBI, Kerala Crime Branch, Vigilance, Fire Force, Motor Vehicles Department and the Prison Department.

Promoted as Director General of Police in 2017, she became the first woman in Kerala to reach the rank. During her tenure with the CBI, she earned the nickname "Raid Sreelekha" for her aggressive anti-corruption operations.

She retired from service in December 2020 after more than 33 years. Post-retirement, she remained in the public eye for her outspoken views on several high-profile cases. Sreelekha formally joined the BJP in October 2024.