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Ex-Top Cop R Sreelekha Makes Kerala Assembly Election Debut On BJP Ticket
Former Kerala DGP R Sreelekha is contesting the Vattiyoorkavu assembly seat on a BJP ticket, creating a three-way contest with CPI(M)-led LDF and Congress. The article outlines her police career, retirement in 2020, and subsequent political path, including joining BJP in 2025 and winning local elections, as BJP expands in Kerala ahead of the assembly polls.
Why It Matters
Her candidacy marks a high-profile entry into electoral politics for a former top police officer and reflects BJP's ongoing bid to grow its presence in Kerala.
Timeline
12 Events
Article: Ex-Top Cop R Sreelekha makes Kerala Assembly debut on BJP ticket
April 24, 2026
NDTV reported on April 24, 2026 that former DGP R Sreelekha will contest the Vattiyoorkavu assembly seat from BJP, turning it into an intense three-way fight with CPI(M)-led LDF and Congress.
Won Sasthamangalam ward in Thiruvananthapuram local body elections
2025
A year after joining the BJP, she contested and won the Sasthamangalam ward in Thiruvananthapuram in 2025.
Joined the BJP
2025
Five years after retirement, she joined the BJP.
BJP NDA performance in Kerala in 2024 Lok Sabha elections
2024
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP-led NDA secured 19.24% of votes in Kerala and won Thrissur.
BJP's performance in 2021 Kerala Assembly polls
2021
In the 2021 Kerala Assembly polls, the BJP did not win any seats.
Retired from police service
December 2020
She retired from service in December 2020 after 33 years in the police service.
Promoted to Director General of Police (DGP)
2017
Sreelekha was promoted to the rank of Director General of Police in 2017, becoming the first woman to hold the rank in Kerala.
BJP's first Kerala Assembly seat in Nemom (2016)
2016
In 2016, BJP opened its account in the Kerala Assembly for the first time by winning the Nemom constituency.
Received Indian Overseas Award for Public Service
2006
She received the Indian Overseas Award for Public Service in 2006.
Awarded President's Police Medal for Meritorious Service
2004
She was awarded the President's Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2004.
Joined the Indian Police Service (IPS)
January 1987
Sreelekha joined the Indian Police Service in January 1987, beginning her policing career.
Born in 1960
1960
R. Sreelekha was born in 1960.