In a significant political development in Kerala, senior CPI(M) leader and three-time former Devikulam MLA S. Rajendran is poised to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), marking a major shift in a constituency known for its Leftist leanings. Rajendran, a prominent figure from Idukki district, confirmed his discussions with BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Speculation about his potential move to the BJP has been circulating for nearly three years.
Rajendran stated that he did not make any personal demands or set conditions for joining the BJP during the recent meeting. His engagement with the BJP’s central leadership was further evidenced by his visit to New Delhi for talks with senior BJP leader Prakash Javadekar.
Having a long political career within the CPI(M), Rajendran was first elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly from the Devikulam Assembly constituency in 2006 and retained the seat in the 2011 and 2016 elections. He also served as president of the Idukki District Panchayat in 2003, establishing himself as a key political figure in the region.
Following the 2021 Assembly elections, Rajendran’s relationship with the CPI(M) soured amid allegations that he worked against the LDF candidate in Devikulam. Subsequently, he was suspended from the CPI(M) in 2022 for one year after a party-level inquiry confirmed the allegations. Despite efforts to reconcile, Rajendran remained steadfast in his decision. Speculation about his switch to the BJP intensified during subsequent elections, although he consistently maintained that no final decision had been made.
It is now anticipated that Rajendran will officially join the BJP at a meeting in Munnar, led by senior BJP state officials.
