Thiruvananthapuram, October 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Thursday demanded that BJP councillor R. Sreelekha withdraw her remarks about Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and apologise, as complaints against her mounted over allegations of defamatory comments and hurting Hindu religious sentiments.
“What happened to her? Rahul Gandhi is a prominent Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition whom people across India admire, respect and hold in high regard. She should withdraw her remarks against Rahul Gandhi and render an apology,” Chennithala said.
Referring to Sreelekha’s brief resignation as a BJP councillor and her subsequent withdrawal of it, he added, “One day she resigns and the next day she withdraws her resignation.”
The controversy erupted after Sreelekha, addressing a BJP protest meeting in Punalur in Kollam district on Wednesday, allegedly compared Gandhi’s actions during a protest in New Delhi to agitation associated with drug consumption. She reportedly accused him of displaying such agitation and performing the Thandava associated with drug use.
The remarks drew protests from Congress leaders, who accused her of insulting Gandhi and hurting Hindu religious sentiments by linking Thandava—the divine cosmic dance associated with Lord Shiva—to drug-induced agitation.
United Democratic Front (UDF) leader and councillor K.S. Sabarinadhan on Thursday lodged a complaint with the Thiruvananthapuram Police Commissioner, alleging that Sreelekha’s remarks insulted Gandhi and hurt Hindu sentiments. He had earlier demanded a withdrawal of the statement and warned of legal action if she failed to comply.
The Youth Congress has also approached the police. Its state vice-president, Vishnu Sunil Pandalam, submitted a complaint to the Director General of Police seeking registration of a case against Sreelekha. Another complaint has reportedly been lodged in Kollam over the remarks.
The police response to the complaints is expected to determine the next course of action. The controversy has added to political tensions surrounding Sreelekha’s brief resignation and subsequent decision to remain a BJP councillor.
FOLLOW NOW
