Overview
- Reji Lukose was formally inducted into the BJP on January 8 by state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar at Mararji Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram.
- Lukose said he was pained by what he called the CPI(M)’s ideological deviation and accused it of fostering a communal divide, adding that he will now speak for the BJP.
- He cited Kerala’s youth outmigration and the risk of an ageing society while praising the BJP’s development agenda and the ‘Vikasita Keralam’ vision.
- The CPI(M) distanced itself, with the Kottayam district committee saying Lukose was never part of its structure and leaders downplaying any impact.
- Chandrasekhar announced an upcoming visit by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to inaugurate campaign activities, and the Kerala BJP framed Lukose’s move as an endorsement of its development message.