Overview
- Rajendran accepted BJP membership from state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar in Thiruvananthapuram on January 18.
- The three-term former Devikulam MLA was suspended by the CPI(M) in February 2022 over allegations he worked against the party’s candidate A. Raja, and he later distanced himself from the party.
- Citing concerns over plantation-sector issues, Rajendran said he joined to seek solutions and stated he does not plan to contest from Devikulam.
- BJP leaders outlined a three-pronged, 90-day state push centered on developed Kerala, protection of faith and safe Kerala, with a mass induction event slated for Munnar on February 8.
- CPI(M) veteran M. M. Mani dismissed the impact of Rajendran’s exit, noting earlier disciplinary action and asserting the party’s prospects in Idukki remain unaffected.