In a significant political development in Kerala, former Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) MLA S Rajendran officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday in Thiruvananthapuram, signaling a potential shift in the political dynamics of the state ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The move comes at a time when the southern state is gearing up to elect 140 members to its legislative assembly, expected to be held in the first half of this year.

Rajendran’s Political Journey

S Rajendran, a seasoned politician from Idukki district, has a long-standing association with the CPI(M). He represented the Devikulam assembly constituency, a key hill-region seat encompassing the popular hill station of Munnar, for three consecutive terms, winning elections in 2006, 2011, and 2016. Known for his engagement with plantation workers and his focus on local development, Rajendran built a reputation as a grassroots leader in a constituency historically dominated by the Left.

However, the 2021 assembly elections marked a turning point. The CPI(M) opted to field A Raja instead of Rajendran, who went on to secure the constituency, leaving Rajendran sidelined despite his prior electoral success. The sidelining deepened when, in 2022, Rajendran faced a one-year suspension from the CPI(M) for alleged anti-party activities during the previous elections. Following his suspension, Rajendran did not seek reinstatement, effectively ending his formal association with the Left. According to sources familiar with the matter, relations between Rajendran and the CPI(M) leadership remained strained since his suspension, setting the stage for his eventual departure from the party.

Reasons for Joining the BJP

Upon joining the BJP, Rajendran explained that his decision was driven by a desire to address the pressing issues faced by residents of Devikulam, particularly in the plantation sector. Kerala’s plantation industry, which forms a vital part of the local economy, has long struggled with low wages, labor disputes, and delayed government support, issues Rajendran had actively highlighted during his tenure as an MLA.

“It was clear that the CPI(M) had left the door open for my exit. I had requested them not to harm me. I have not set any personal conditions to join the BJP,” Rajendran said during his induction ceremony. His statement underscored a pragmatic approach to the political shift, emphasizing his commitment to local issues over personal ambitions.

State BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar welcomed Rajendran into the party, framing his induction as part of a broader effort to strengthen the BJP’s presence in Kerala. Chandrasekhar highlighted the role of leadership in addressing governance gaps and argued that the BJP provides a platform to tackle longstanding developmental challenges. “Doors are open for every leader interested in Viksit Kerala. I’m very happy today to welcome Rajendran ji and, along with him, to the BJP because they came in and, as he spoke today, they are frustrated that for years they have not been able to solve people’s problems because the government is apathetic,” Chandrasekhar said, taking a clear dig at both CPI(M) and Congress administrations in the state.

Implications for Kerala Politics

Rajendran’s move is likely to have a notable impact in Idukki and surrounding plantation constituencies. Devikulam, being a hill region with a significant population dependent on tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations, has traditionally leaned towards the Left due to the party’s historic focus on labor rights. By bringing in a leader with strong local support and credibility among plantation workers, the BJP may be seeking to challenge this long-standing political dominance.

The induction also signals the BJP’s continuing strategy in Kerala of bringing in former leaders from rival parties, especially the CPI(M), to consolidate its presence in the state. Over the past decade, the BJP has steadily increased its organizational footprint in Kerala, which remains largely dominated by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). By integrating leaders like Rajendran, the party aims to gain both electoral credibility and grassroots connectivity in key constituencies ahead of the polls.

Rajendran’s Vision

During the induction, Rajendran stressed that his focus would remain on issues affecting ordinary citizens rather than political calculations. He spoke about improving labor conditions in plantations, ensuring fair wages for workers, and advocating for infrastructure development in the region. By leveraging the BJP’s organizational support, he indicated that he hopes to implement solutions to issues that, according to him, had long been neglected by successive state governments.

Political analysts note that Rajendran’s entry into the BJP could also influence local electoral calculations. While the CPI(M) retains a strong organizational presence, the entry of a familiar face with prior electoral success could split traditional vote banks, potentially reshaping outcomes in Devikulam and other nearby constituencies.

Conclusion

S Rajendran’s transition from the CPI(M) to the BJP exemplifies the fluid nature of Kerala’s political landscape, where individual leaders can significantly influence voter sentiment in key constituencies. As the state gears up for assembly elections, his move will likely be watched closely by both the Left and the Right, with plantation sector issues and local development emerging as central talking points. For the BJP, the inclusion of a leader with Rajendran’s experience and local standing offers both electoral leverage and an opportunity to broaden its appeal in regions historically dominated by the Left.

With the assembly elections approaching, the political battle in Kerala promises to be closely contested, and leaders like Rajendran are set to play pivotal roles in shaping the outcome.