Three-time Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] MLA S. Rajendran and a prominent face in Devikulam is likely to join Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The veteran leader has already held discussions with BJP State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar in this regard.
“I will join BJP soon. The party leadership will finalise the next steps. Before officially joining, I will hold a press conference to address all pertinent issues,” said Mr. Rajendran.
Explaining his decision, the former Devikulam MLA stated that his move was not motivated by personal or electoral gains. “I decided to join the BJP to address critical issues in Idukki district, especially in Munnar. Plantation workers there are still living in poor conditions in British-era ‘layams’ (cluster homes); their living standards must be improved. Additionally, nearly 25,000 homes are urgently needed for SC/ST colonies in the district,” he said.
“The welfare of tribespeople and plantation workers must be prioritised and that wildlife-related regulations require amendment. Furthermore, Munnar faces specific linguistic challenges. Only the Central government and the BJP can effectively address and find solutions to these issues. This is a collective decision made by a group of people, and I expect the process to be completed within a month,” said Mr. Rajendran.
Mr. Rajendran was long considered the face of the CPI(M) in Munnar. However, in December 2021, the CPI(M) Idukki district committee recommended stringent action against him for lapses during the last Assembly polls. A CPI(M) party inquiry commission found that he had abstained from the campaign of party candidate A. Raja during the 2021 elections and allegedly attempted to divert votes. Consequently, the party leadership suspended him for one year in February 2022. Since then, Mr. Rajendran has consistently distanced himself from the party.
As a three-time MLA, Mr. Rajendran maintains significant influence among plantation workers across the Devikulam constituency.
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