Kerala, 16 March (H.S.):

In a significant political development in Kerala, senior Congress leader and KPCC secretary Thodiyur Ramachandran has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was formally inducted into the party by BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar at an event attended by party leaders and supporters.

Ramachandran’s decision to switch allegiance came shortly after he resigned from his position as the United Democratic Front (UDF) chairman for the Karunagappally Assembly constituency. The resignation marked the end of his long association with the UDF in the region, where he had served as constituency chairman for the past 15 years.

According to sources, Ramachandran had recently stepped down from the UDF post citing dissatisfaction with certain developments within the local leadership. He reportedly stated that he had faced several unpleasant experiences from the sitting MLA, which he found difficult to tolerate. Despite attempts by senior Congress leaders to intervene and persuade him to reconsider his decision, Ramachandran remained firm about leaving the UDF.

During his tenure as the UDF chairman in Karunagappally, Ramachandran had played a key role in organising and coordinating several political programmes and campaigns for the alliance. He noted that many initiatives undertaken under his leadership were successfully conducted and had strengthened the UDF’s presence in the constituency.

Along with Ramachandran, several other leaders from different political and professional backgrounds also joined the BJP. Among them were Meditrina Hospital Managing Director Dr. Prathap Kumar, CPM Kovalam Area Committee member N.A. Rasheed, and NCP leader Devaprasanth.

Their induction into the BJP is seen as part of the party’s ongoing efforts to expand its political base in Kerala by attracting leaders from other parties and social sectors. The development is expected to have local political implications, particularly in Kollam district, where the BJP has been trying to strengthen its organisational presence ahead of upcoming electoral battles.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman