Amid reports that recalcitrant former Devikulam MLA S. Rajendran will join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he is expected to announce his stance on Saturday.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] leader having sizeable influence among plantation workers in the Devikulam constituency has maintained a distance from the party in the past four years.
Talking to The Hindu, Mr. Rajendran said no CPI(M) leader had approached him ahead of the local body election. “Their stance indicates that they do not want my support. My aides and the former CPI(M) branch secretary are contesting as BJP candidates in Munnar. They have approached me and sought assistance but I am yet to campaign for them,” he said.
“Earlier, the BJP did not get candidates to contest elections in Munnar. But now it has gained influence among plantation workers in Devikulam and fielded candidates in all seats. It indicates that the BJP has emerged as an influential factor in Devikulam,” he said.
“Those who support me have asked me to announce my political stance before the election. I will announce my official stance at a press meet in Munnar on Saturday,” said Mr. Rajendran.
In December 2021, the CPI(M) district committee had recommended stringent action against Mr. Rajendran for ‘lapses’ during the Assembly polls. The party inquiry commission found that he had abstained from the campaign of party candidate A. Raja. It also found that he did not actively participate in the campaign work and tried to divert votes.
Based on these findings, the party leadership suspended him for one year in February 2022. After that, Mr. Rajendran had consistently distanced himself from the party.
Published – December 05, 2025 07:55 pm IST
