In a significant political development in Kerala, two prominent figures—one from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the other from the Kerala Students Union (KSU)—have joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). KK Kunjhan, a former area committee member of CPI(M) in Ottapalam and ex-president of Ambalappara Grama Panchayat, officially joined the BJP, receiving membership directly from the party’s state president, Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Notably, Kunjhan was still serving as a local committee member of the CPI(M) when he decided to resign.
Speaking about his decision, Kunjhan stated that growing differences with the CPI(M) leadership and continuous marginalization led to his exit. He expressed dissatisfaction over being sidelined within party structures and claimed he was treated as an object of ridicule. According to him, remaining in a party where one is no longer respected was not acceptable, and this prompted his departure.
In addition to Kunjhan, Kailas Nath Menon, a former state secretary of the KSU, has also joined the BJP. His entry into the party took place during the BJP’s “Viksit Keralam” (Developed Kerala) convention. The entry of these two leaders is being seen as part of the BJP’s broader strategy to expand its influence in Kerala by attracting disillusioned leaders from other political parties.
