Suspense over Mayor candidate in TVM continues as BJP to choose between VV Rajesh and Sreelekha

Thiruvananthapuram: Suspense over the new Thiruvananthapuram mayor continues to be a suspense as two prominent names have emerged – Local BJP star campaigner VV Rajesh or former ADGP Sreelekha are the two picks by the state BJP unit.

However, the race for the mayor’s chair has emerged as a key strategic challenge for the BJP in Thiruvananthapuram corporation, with the party yet to take a final call as a difference of opinion has emerged between the senior leaders. While both leaders enjoy strong backing within the party, the decision is being closely watched as it is expected to signal the BJP’s long-term political approach in the Kerala capital.

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A section in the party is pressing for Rajesh, citing his long experience in the corporation and his organisational capacity.

“Both leaders enjoy a significant support in the district. While one of them was a senior police officer, other one is a local BJP politician who has a vast experience and has a good ground support”, said Jithesh Kumar, a local BJP activist to News9.

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 mayor’s 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 BJP’s “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 mayor’s post, Rajesh is likely to be accommodated with a ticket for the upcoming assembly elections.

Sreelekha or Rajesh ?

If R Sreelekha is appointed as the first BJP mayor of the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, the deputy mayor’s 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.

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.