The BJP scripted a historic political breakthrough in Kerala on Saturday by wresting the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation from the CPI(M), ending 45 years of uninterrupted Left rule in the state capital’s civic body. Adding to the moment’s significance, Kerala’s first woman IPS officer emerged victorious in a high-stakes contest, adding to the scale of the saffron party’s triumph.

Retired as Director General of Police in 2020, R Sreelekha emerged as one of the most prominent faces of the BJP’s surge after winning the Sasthamangalam division by a massive margin. Her victory has triggered intense political speculation over whether the 64-year-old former top cop will be the BJP’s choice for mayor. If appointed, she would become the party’s first mayor in the state capital.

Asked about the p

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