The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) in Kerala is facing a significant challenge with several veteran leaders and former legislators switching sides to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress before the upcoming Assembly elections. Reji Lukose, a well-known figure in TV debates for years, recently joined the BJP, citing dissatisfaction with the Left’s policies and attracted by the BJP’s development-focused approach. Lukose praised the BJP’s vision and state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar for their pro-development initiatives.
The state government’s failure to address fundamental issues like student and youth migration for education and jobs abroad has been criticized by Lukose. He mentioned that both the Left Democratic Front and the Congress-led United Democratic Front did not take effective measures to prevent this exodus due to inadequate facilities and job opportunities in the state.
Adding to the CPI(M)’s internal turmoil, three-time MLA Aisha Potty switched to the Congress, accusing the CPI(M) leadership of neglect. Potty, known for ending a veteran leader’s dominance in the Kottarakkara constituency in 2006, is expected to contest in the upcoming Assembly polls under the UDF.
Former Minister J. Mercykutty Amma criticized Potty, labeling her a “class betrayer” driven by a “lust for power.” Mercykutty Amma emphasized that the party had supported Potty throughout her three terms as an MLA and viewed her departure as an act of betrayal.
CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby expressed disappointment over the defections but believed they would not significantly impact the elections. Another setback for the party was the decision of former three-time MLA S. Rajendran from Devikulam constituency to join the BJP. Rajendran, who had represented the constituency for 15 years, had been suspended in 2021 over allegations of undermining the official candidate’s chances.
These recent events challenge the traditional narrative in Kerala that loyal communist members rarely switch to opposing ideological groups. Lukose, although considered a follower rather than a full-time member by the CPI(M), holds significance due to his years of defending the party on public platforms, marking a notable shift in the state’s political landscape.
