R. Sreelekha IPS (Retd.), the first woman IPS officer of Kerala (1987 batch), former Additional Director General of Police, former college lecturer, and a former Grade B/ Statistical Officer at the Reserve Bank of India, has now entered electoral politics as a BJP candidate for the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. Organiser Kerala’s senior reporter T. Satisan spoke to her about her transition from policing to politics, her priorities for the city, and her vision for governance.
Question: After a decades-long innings in the Police Force, how do you like the company of BJP workers? Are you able to get along with them without any reservation?
Answer: I stopped working in the police force in January 2021. Since then, I have been aligning my political views with those of the BJP, and they resonate very closely with RSS ideologies. They originate from the soil and are typically nationalistic and Bharatiya. These ideologies stem from our own motherland, system, traditions and culture, which I am aligned with. So, I am extremely happy and proud to be associated with the BJP.
Q: Since you were always at the helm, how do you like the house contacts on foot for the election campaign?
A: I am extremely comfortable with the house-to-house election campaign and other methods of electioneering. In fact, people are friendly and warm to me. I do not even have to introduce myself. They recognise me and invite me into their homes. The atmosphere is really positive. It is a wave of energy, and it invigorates me every day.
Q: Do you succeed easily in getting along with a different lifestyle where patience is of paramount importance?
A: Even as a police officer, I had been interacting with the poorest of the poor, rescuing them, helping them and assisting them with their various needs. So, I do not see any difference in going among them, meeting them, talking to them or enjoying a cup of tea.
Q: Are your grassroots workers considering you as one among them?
A: Of course they are. BJP and Sangh workers consider me one among them. They give me immense support and assistance. They walk with me, help me, and settle issues that arise. If I have any discomfort, such as swelling in my feet, they ensure I get rest, shade or a fan. They are absolutely helpful and staunchly supportive.
Q: Are you absolutely comfortable in your new role as a political worker?
A: I am absolutely comfortable as a political worker. I consider it more as social service. It is not politics as such, but an opportunity to serve people. This new social responsibility excites me beyond words.
Q: What are your plans, priorities and dreams for your Corporation Division after winning the election?
A: I have many priorities as a political worker. My previous councillor was also from the BJP, and I intend to continue the good work he initiated, but with a bit more élan and poise. He was a people-centric councillor, and I would like to add technology to that approach.
From day one, I want to ensure that people do not face trivial problems. Issues already raised like road conditions, drainage problems, bursting water pipes, lack of drinking water, stray dogs, waste management, will be solved. Within a month of taking charge, I will ensure these issues are addressed.
If any problem persists, I plan to launch an app, website or phone number with WhatsApp support. With a missed call or a small message, people can reach me, and their issues will be resolved within 24 hours. These solutions to day-to-day problems will pave the way for larger developmental activities.
I want to beautify the area with more greenery, public facilities like toilets and the development of vacant lands.
Q: Do you think that your rich experience in officialdom will be useful in your new political role?
A: Of course. My police experiences have been big lessons. They will definitely help me. I will not be just a councillor who handles civic issues; I will be a source of strength for people. If illegal activities occur like if a woman, girl or boy faces any legal issue, or if a crime takes place, I will stand by them.
If drug peddlers or mafias operate nearby, I will work to eradicate them. If anyone raises a hand against an innocent woman, I will be there to protect her. I will act as a barrier between the innocent and the trouble-makers.
Q: Have you ascertained the lacunae in the capital city’s planning during the last few decades?
A: It is not just the last couple of decades; for the last four and a half decades, the LDF has been ruling the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. Their planning has been extremely poor. Funds are plenty, this is a Self-Governing Local Body, yet nothing visible comes out of the money they spend.
I believe a lion’s share goes into someone’s pockets as commissions. The AKG Centre is expanding, becoming posher by the day. They use about 70% of funds meant for social development for political purposes through corruption. Inefficiency and lack of planning are blatant.
The Centre gave Rs 450 crore for smart roads. Look at their condition. Within a month of construction, Water Authority or cable agencies dig them up. What is the purpose then? BJP will put an end to this.
Q: Am I speaking to the future Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram?
A: At the moment, I am concentrating on winning the council election. Let the BJP decide the Mayor once the party wins. My wish is that the best councillor should become the Mayor.
Q: What are your priorities and projects if you are selected as the Mayor?
A: Party president Rajeeva Chandrasekhar ji has announced that within 45 days of BJP coming to power, PM Modi ji will visit Thiruvananthapuram and unveil a five-year development blueprint. It aims to make the city world-class, with improved roads, facilities and services, including an Olympic stadium.
With Vizhinjam port, the international airport and beaches nearby, Thiruvananthapuram can be transformed into a major hub for tourism in health, leisure, spiritual and cultural areas. It can truly become God’s Own Country.
We have already published an election manifesto on this. The Mayor will act as the implementing authority, executing this blueprint efficiently, correctly and without corruption.
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