Congress Leader Padmaja Venugopal Set to Join BJP Following Discontent and Disputes

In a significant political development, Padmaja Venugopal, currently serving as the General Secretary of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) and daughter of the late Congress leader K Karunakaran, is on the verge of joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This decision follows discussions with BJP’s national leaders held in Delhi. Padmaja’s potential defection stems from reported discontent within the Congress, where she felt marginalized, a sentiment highlighted when she was excluded from entering Priyanka Gandhi’s vehicle during an election campaign rally. The discord further deepened due to electoral setbacks faced by Padmaja in recent elections, and she has reportedly sought new political avenues amid growing dissatisfaction.

The rift within the Congress widened as Padmaja Venugopal faced exclusion and disputes within the party, culminating in her contemplated move to the BJP. Beyond political disagreements, Padmaja has experienced electoral setbacks, having suffered defeats in the last two assembly elections and the 2004 Lok Sabha election while representing the Congress. Additionally, the reported delay in constructing a memorial for her father, K Karunakaran, has added to her grievances, becoming a pivotal factor influencing her decision to explore alternatives. This potential shift in allegiance could not only reshape Padmaja’s political trajectory but also introduce a new dynamic in Kerala’s political landscape.

Family dynamics have played a role in this unfolding political saga, as K Muraleedharan, Padmaja’s brother and a Congress leader, expressed surprise at her decision. The strained communication between the siblings, with Padmaja allegedly blocking Muraleedharan’s calls, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. While the formal announcement of Padmaja Venugopal’s move is pending, the political implications of her potential shift to the BJP could introduce new challenges and opportunities in Kerala’s ever-evolving political scenario.