R Sreelekha, Kerala’s pioneering woman IPS officer, is now at the centre of political attention. She won a key seat in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and could become the BJP’s first mayor in the state capital. Her victory comes as the BJP achieved a historic breakthrough in a city dominated by Left politics for decades.
Who is R Sreelekha?
R Sreelekha made history in January 1987 by becoming the first woman Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from Kerala. Over a career spanning more than 33 years, she held many top roles.
She served in the CBI, Kerala Crime Branch, Vigilance, Fire Force, Motor Vehicles Department, and the Prison Department. In 2017, she became Kerala’s first woman Director General of Police (DGP). She retired from service in December 2020.
Historic Poll Win in Thiruvananthapuram
In the 2025 Kerala local body elections, the BJP-led NDA made a remarkable gain in Thiruvananthapuram. The party won 50 of 101 wards, outperforming the CPI(M)-led LDF and the Congress-led UDF. This result ended decades of Left dominance in the civic body.
R Sreelekha contested from the Sasthamangalam division and won by a large margin. Her success has intensified discussions about her becoming the Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram.
R Sreelekha: Strong Message from Voters
After her victory, Sreelekha thanked the electorate for their support. She said, “I have come to know that no candidate has secured such a lead in the Sasthamangalam ward before…. We thank the people for the verdict.”
When asked about the mayor’s post, she added, “The party would decide on the matter.”
R Sreelekha: New Role in Politics
After retiring from the police force, R Sreelekha stayed in public view. She made headlines for her comments on high-profile legal cases and social issues, which kept her in news cycles even after retirement.
She joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in October 2024, saying she was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During her police career, she maintained that she worked without political bias.
What Her Win Means for Kerala Politics?
Sreelekha’s election victory is part of a larger trend in the state. The BJP’s performance in Thiruvananthapuram shows a political shift in a region long held by Left parties. National and regional leaders have flagged this as a significant change in Kerala’s political landscape.
If R Sreelekha becomes mayor, she will break new ground, not just as the first woman IPS officer in Kerala but also as the BJP’s first mayor in the capital city. Analysts say her law enforcement background and public appeal give her a unique advantage in civic leadership.
Public Expectations and Challenges
Supporters see Sreelekha as a leader who can bring strong governance to the city. Reports suggest she aims for a corruption-free administration if given the mayor’s role.
However, the final decision on the mayoral nomination lies with the party leadership. Her win has ignited hope among BJP workers and supporters in Kerala, a state where political power has traditionally favoured the Left and Congress.