Sreelakha’s exit: Could BJP’s loss become CPI(M)’s opportunity in Thiruvananthapuram?

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The resignation of R. Sreelakha has created a governance crisis in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, and the CPI(M) will make use of any favourable situation that emerges, party state secretary M.V. Govindan said. The CPI(M) has no compulsion to keep the BJP in power, Govindan said. He also said Sreelakha had no clear political position and that those who enter politics after being drawn by offers were not really engaged in politics.

Sreelakha’s resignation will become valid only after it is submitted to the Corporation secretary, Govindan said. She is understood to have submitted the resignation to the Mayor. The reason for the resignation should be explained by Sreelakha herself, he said.
Govindan said Sreelakha did not have any particular association with a political party. When she entered the fray as a BJP candidate, the initial understanding was that she would become Mayor. Later, there were reports that she would become part of the Central administrative system. Her resignation was an internal matter within the BJP, the party state secretary said.

Sreelakha submitted her resignation letter to Mayor V.V. Rajesh on September 30. The District Collector will also be informed soon.
Dissatisfaction with the BJP leadership is reportedly behind her resignation. Sreelakha, however, has said that she stepped down for personal reasons.

If her resignation is accepted, the number of BJP councillors in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation will come down to 49. BJP councillor Sugathan, who is facing a KAAPA (Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act) case, remains in jail.
The BJP is currently running the Corporation with the support of an independent councillor. Sreelakha’s resignation comes amid this situation, dealing a setback to the BJP.