Who will be the mayor of Thiruvananthapuram? Rift in BJP, priority for V V Rajesh, leaders visit Sreelekha

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There are differences of opinion within the party in deciding the BJP’s mayoral candidate for Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. A section of leaders stepped forward opposing the appointment of former DGP R Sreelekha as the mayor. A section of state leaders has filed a complaint with the central leadership on the issue. The organization's general secretary S Suresh and Thiruvananthapuram city district president Karamana Jayan visited Sreelekha at her home.

There were indications till this morning that former DGP R Sreelekha would become the mayor. Priority was given for her in the final phase of discussions in the BJP. Reports said her name would be announced today. The BJP's victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation was noticed even at the national level.

It was assessed that the state's first woman IPS officer becoming the mayor would once again be discussed and it would benefit the party, including in the assembly elections. Rajesh’s name was heard after a section of leaders expressed their opposition in choosing the former DGP as the mayor. The names of Simi Jyothish, G S Manju and Asha Nath are being considered for the post of deputy mayor.