Case Registered Against BJP Councillor R. Sreelekha Over Remarks Against Rahul Gandhi

Police Register Case Against R. Sreelekha

Punalur, Kerala, October 16, 2026: Police have registered a case against R. Sreelekha, former Kerala DGP and BJP councillor, over her controversial remarks against Rahul Gandhi during a party programme in Punalur.

According to officials, the case was registered at Punalur police station following a complaint by a Congress leader. The remarks reportedly concerned Gandhi’s participation in protests in New Delhi against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the ongoing debate over the revision of electoral rolls. <Cite refs={["turn565455search0","turn565455search6"]}/>

The case has intensified the political dispute between the BJP and Congress in Kerala, with Congress leaders criticising Sreelekha’s comments and demanding action.

Remarks Comparing Rahul Gandhi’s Protest to Drug-Induced Behaviour

The controversy stems from a speech Sreelekha delivered at a BJP programme organised in Punalur. While criticising the Opposition’s demonstrations in Delhi, she compared Gandhi’s description of the protests as “Thandavam” — a term associated with the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva — to behaviour resembling a person experiencing the effects of a drug overdose.

Her comments drew criticism from Congress leaders, who described them as inappropriate and insulting. Complaints also alleged that the comparison hurt religious sentiments by associating a sacred religious concept with drug-induced behaviour. These are allegations raised by the complainants and will be considered in the appropriate legal process. <Cite refs={["turn565455search2","turn565455search5"]}/>

Complaint Leads to FIR Under BNS Section 192

Police registered the case under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with wantonly giving provocation with the intention of causing a riot.

Congress leaders had submitted complaints following Sreelekha’s speech. Officials said a similar complaint was also lodged in Thiruvananthapuram. However, police proceeded with the complaint filed in Kollam district because the remarks were made at an event in Punalur. <Cite refs={["turn565455search0","turn565455search3"]}/>

The registration of a case does not establish guilt. The allegations will be examined during the investigation.

Police to Examine Video Footage

As part of the investigation, police are expected to examine video recordings of the programme to establish the exact remarks and their context. Officials also indicated that Sreelekha’s detailed statement would be recorded after the preliminary investigation. <Cite refs={["turn565455search0","turn565455search6"]}/>

The investigation will help determine the circumstances surrounding the speech and whether the allegations made in the complaint are supported by the available evidence.

Political Reactions to the Controversy

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala criticised Sreelekha’s remarks and called for their withdrawal. Congress leaders argued that a person who previously held a senior police position should exercise care when making public statements about political opponents. <Cite refs={["turn565455search1","turn565455search5"]}/>

The episode comes amid a wider political dispute over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and Opposition protests against the Election Commission. The BJP and Congress have taken opposing positions on the protests and the political issues surrounding them.

Who Is R. Sreelekha?

R. Sreelekha is a former senior police officer who retired as Director General of Police in Kerala before entering politics with the BJP. She was the first woman IPS officer from Kerala and later won the Sasthamangalam ward in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation election. She also contested the Vattiyoorkavu Assembly constituency in April 2026 but did not win. <Cite refs={["turn565455search0","turn565455search6"]}/>

The police investigation into her remarks is ongoing, and further developments will depend on the evidence gathered and the subsequent legal process.