Archive · 4 Oct 2026
BJP Says Sreelekha Will Stay as Resignation Message Is Deleted
A message in a residents’ WhatsApp group said R Sreelekha had resigned from her councillor job.
The message was later deleted, according to group members.
Mayor V V Rajesh first said he had received a letter, but later said there was no resignation letter.
He described a letter as being about ward operations.
BJP leaders said Sreelekha would stay in her role.
BJP leader S Suresh said she was unwell and concerned about doing her job.
News18 reported that talks with senior BJP leaders led her to reconsider resigning.
Sreelekha has not publicly responded to the reports or the opposition’s allegations.
A CPI(M) leader accused her of using the episode to seek a position, while the BJP rejected claims that its control of the corporation was at risk.
A WhatsApp message attributed to R Sreelekha said she had submitted her resignation to Mayor V V Rajesh and planned to give a copy to the District Collector on October 5.
Group members said the message was deleted around 6 p.m. Sunday; Sreelekha had not publicly responded to the resignation reports.
Rajesh first said he received a letter on September 30, but later said no resignation letter existed and described the letter as concerning ward operations.
BJP leaders said Sreelekha would remain a councillor; S Suresh said she was unwell and worried about carrying out her duties.
CPI(M) leader V Sivankutty alleged the resignation episode was meant to gain position or power; the reports differ on the BJP’s council strength, giving 51 supporters in one account and 50 seats plus an Independent in another.
- Who
- R Sreelekha, Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V V Rajesh, BJP general secretary S Suresh, and CPI(M) leader V Sivankutty.
- What
- BJP leaders said Sreelekha would continue as a councillor amid conflicting accounts about whether she had submitted a resignation.
- When
- The reports were published on Sunday, October 4; Rajesh said he received a letter on September 30.
- Where
- Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Kerala.
- Why
- Suresh said Sreelekha was unwell and concerned about carrying out her duties; News18 reported that discussions with BJP leaders prompted her to reconsider resigning.
BJP’s account
Resignation reports and CPI(M) criticism
Whether Sreelekha resigned
BJP’s account
Rajesh and Suresh said Sreelekha had not resigned and would continue as councillor; Rajesh said the letter he described concerned ward operations.
Resignation reports and CPI(M) criticism
A message attributed to Sreelekha said she had submitted a resignation. News18 reported that she announced it before reconsidering after discussions with BJP leaders.
Reason for the episode
BJP’s account
Suresh said Sreelekha was unwell and had expressed concern about whether she could properly perform her duties.
Resignation reports and CPI(M) criticism
Sivankutty alleged that the episode was a threat aimed at securing position or power. News18 reported that the issue arose amid reported differences over the mayoral post.
BJP control of the corporation
BJP’s account
Suresh dismissed reports that BJP control of the corporation was under threat.
Resignation reports and CPI(M) criticism
The reports say the BJP’s position depends on support from an Independent councillor; they differ on whether its support totals 51 councillors or 50 seats plus the Independent.
- Councillor
- R Sreelekha was elected from Sasthamangalam ward on a BJP ticket.
- Resignation message
- A message attributed to Sreelekha said she had submitted her resignation and would give a copy to the District Collector on October 5; group members said it was deleted around 6 p.m. Sunday.
- Mayor’s account
- Rajesh first said he received a letter on September 30 and had not forwarded it to the Corporation Secretary; later he said no resignation letter existed and described a letter about ward operations.
- BJP’s position
- Rajesh and Suresh said Sreelekha would continue as councillor and complete her five-year term.
- Health
- Suresh said Sreelekha had experienced physical discomfort and was concerned about discharging her responsibilities.
- Leadership discussions
- News18 reported that BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar and other senior leaders spoke with Sreelekha and that she decided to stay.
- Corporation strength
- The reports differ: one says the BJP had support from 51 councillors, including an Independent, in the 101-member body; News18 says it won 50 seats and relies on an Independent.
