Sreelekha courts controversy after staying away from BJP councillors’ Delhi trip
The Hindu
BJP councillor R. Sreelekha sparks controversy by skipping Delhi trip with fellow councillors, citing personal reasons and dissatisfaction.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councillor R. Sreelekha courted controversy on Monday after she decided to stay away from Thiruvananthapuram BJP councillors’ train journey to Delhi to participate in a reception to be accorded to them by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The BJP councillors of the Corporation, accompanied by State and district leaders of the party, embarked on the trip in the Kerala Express from the Central Railway Station here on Monday.
Ms. Sreelekha’s decision to not be a part of the journey was widely perceived as an expression of displeasure on her part. She had earlier said that the party had fielded her as a candidate in the local body elections after promising the mayoral post to her. Her early departure from the council hall during the swearing-in of the Mayor as well as her staying put at a corner of the stage when the rest of the BJP leaders went to greet Mr. Modi during his visit to the capital, had also fuelled speculations about her equations with the party.
Later in the day, Ms. Sreelekha claimed in a video posted on her social media pages that the media is attempting to “create smoke without fire”. She said that she had informed the party that she could not take up the long trip due to various reasons.
“At this age, it is difficult for me to take such a long train journey. The party had offered me flight tickets, but I refused the offer as I don’t want the party to spend so much for me. Staying away for five days is difficult as I also have to take care of my mother,” she said.
On the speculations about her plans to contest the upcoming Assembly elections, she said that she is not interested in the same, as she is of the strong opinion that a person who has won an election should not contest in any other level for the next five years.
Nara Lokesh meets Capgemini CEO to discuss establishing an IT development centre in Visakhapatnam, boosting local job creation.
Sri Lankan Navy arrests two Indian fishermen for poaching near Katchatheevu, prompting calls for government intervention.
KTR demands ₹3 lakh compensation and housing for families affected by Velugumatla house demolitions, criticizing government actions.
The escalating crisis in West Asia has raised fresh concerns over India’s energy security as the country imports nearly 90% of its oil. With the Strait of Hormuz remaining a critical supply route, disruptions could have major economic consequences. The situation has also sparked debate over India’s long-term oil policy, reliance on Russian supplies and the government’s crisis communication strategy.
Oracle’s stake in TikTok’s U.S. business operations is worth around $2 billion, a filing showed on Wednesday
Hyderabad police arrest two men for manufacturing adulterated ginger paste in unhygienic conditions, seizing 675 kilograms of product.
Mamata Banerjee reviews LPG crisis, urges for rationing and standard procedures amid growing public complaints and supply issues.
Report LPG issues in Telangana by calling toll-free 1967; crackdown on illegal diversion led to cylinder seizures.
Belagavi airport enhances connectivity with new flights to Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Indore starting March 29.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi announces efforts to control the LPG crisis amid diplomatic sensitivities affecting supply through the Hormuz Strait.
Belagavi prison guard Vinod Tigade found dead; officials suspect distress over unsuccessful search for a bride.
Civil rights groups in Maharashtra demand public access to the anti-conversion bill draft, citing concerns over transparency and potential discrimination.
Two arrested in Mangaluru for facilitating cyber fraud through mule accounts linked to Chinese criminals, police seize multiple assets.