Not 'IPS', But 'Retired'; Election Commission Removes BJP Candidate Sreelakha's Title

Thiruvananthapuram: Former IPS officer A. Sreelakha has faced a setback in her election campaign after the State Election Commission intervened, instructing her not to use the title 'IPS' alongside her name. The directive followed Sreelakha's use of the title 'A. Sreelakha IPS' in her campaign for the Shasthamangalam ward seat in Thiruvananthapuram.

Sreelakha, who is contesting as the BJP candidate in the ward, came under scrutiny after a complaint was filed by another candidate, T.S. Rashmi. The complaint highlighted that using the 'IPS' title after retirement is prohibited in election campaigns, leading to the Election Commission's action. The Commission's ruling mandates that retired officials refrain from using their official titles in political campaigns.

As a result, the Election Commission removed the 'IPS' title from some campaign posters where it had appeared next to Sreelakha's name. BJP workers updated the other posters by adding the word 'retired' next to her name.