Key Congress Leaders Defect to BJP Ahead of Kerala Assembly Elections

Two notable Congress leaders have made headlines by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), significantly impacting the political landscape ahead of Kerala’s upcoming Assembly elections. B S Anoop, the former Congress candidate from Chirayinkeezhu in the 2021 Assembly polls, and KPCC working committee member R S Arun Raj, switched allegiances during a formal event on Friday.

The move was endorsed by BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who granted them party membership. Sources suggest that Anoop is anticipated to contest from the Chirayinkeezhu constituency and Arun Raj from Chadayamangalam. This decision follows their disillusionment with Congress, where they had hoped to receive electoral tickets but were ultimately bypassed.

Expressing his discontent, Anoop recounted his long-term commitment to the Congress and claimed that local supporters in Chirayinkeezhu were in favor of his candidacy. Arun Raj also echoed similar concerns, citing a lack of opportunities for dedicated Youth Congress members, while senior leaders favored former CPI(M) associates. Rajeev Chandrasekhar noted that such defections are indicative of the dwindling trust in Congress, as leaders seek platforms like the BJP for genuine public service.