Congress files complaint against BJP councilor R Sreelekha for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Rahul Gandhi

R. Sreelekha | Photo credit: NIRMAL HARINDRAN

KS Sabarinadhan, a Congress councilor in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, on Thursday (October 15, 2026) filed a police complaint against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councilor R. Sreelekh for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Referring to Mr Gandhi’s remarks likening the ongoing protests in Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to a “thandav”, Ms Sreelekha reportedly said the Congress leader was “showing restlessness and madness when drugs in excess enter the body and not thandav”. She was speaking at a BJP event in Punalur in Kollam district recently.

Mr. Sabarinadhan, who filed a complaint with the District Superintendent of Police (Thiruvananthapuram), said Ms. Sreelekha’s comments were an attempt to humiliate Mr. Gandhi and tarnish his reputation. “Political dissent does not justify character assassination,” he said.

“It is despicable and irresponsible for a former senior police officer to misrepresent the sacred term ‘thandavam’ by associating it with narcotics. Regardless of political affiliation, such comments from an elected representative are completely inappropriate. To me, ‘thandavam’ is a deeply revered expression of the divinity of Lord Shiva. As it reduces to religious sentiments, it also reduces to religious) BJP President, the party leadership must clarify whether they agree with these statements, if not, she should be ordered to make a public apology,” he said.

Published – 15 Oct 2026 12:12 PM IST