Overview
- S. Rajendran formally accepted BJP membership from state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar in Thiruvananthapuram on January 18.
- Rajendran previously represented Devikulam in 2006, 2011 and 2016 as a CPI(M) leader and was suspended by the party for a year in January 2022.
- He said his move was driven by the needs of the plantation belt and reiterated that he does not plan to contest from Devikulam in the upcoming election.
- The BJP announced a February 8 membership event in Munnar and a 90-day campaign centered on developed Kerala, protection of faith and safe Kerala.
- CPI leader Gurunathan and CPI(M) member Santhosh also joined the BJP at the event, following months of speculation after Rajendran’s meeting with Prakash Javadekar and his local campaigning for BJP candidates.