Actor Devan joins CM Vijay’s TVK after quitting BJP; may head Kerala unit

Chennai: Actor and politician Devan is set to join Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), days after resigning from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He is being considered for a key role in the party’s Kerala unit, with sources indicating that he could be appointed as its state president or coordinator.

Initial discussions between Devan and TVK leaders have already taken place. The actor is expected to meet Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK chief C Joseph Vijay in Chennai, after which his role in the party is likely to be finalised. Recent reports say the meeting is expected after September 10, following the Tamil Nadu Assembly session.

Devan’s move to TVK

Devan’s entry into TVK comes shortly after he ended his association with the BJP. He had served as the BJP’s Kerala state vice-president before announcing his resignation from the post and the party’s primary membership on August 16.

He announced his decision at a programme held at the Kanichukulangara temple in Alappuzha. At the time, Devan said his political thinking was rooted in the ideals and principles of Sree Narayana Guru, and that he had not found the political approach he was looking for within the Kerala BJP. He had also said that he had taken the decision several months earlier.

Devan had also spoken about difficulties he faced within the party, including differences with the Kerala BJP leadership and a lack of space to function. He had said that his resignation letter was ready and would be submitted to the state leadership.

TVK looking beyond Tamil Nadu

Devan’s move comes as TVK looks to strengthen its presence outside Tamil Nadu. The party already has an organisational and electoral presence in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, and has been looking at expanding its activities in other southern states.

Kerala is among the states where the party has begun building contacts. According to reports, TVK has been in touch with people in Kerala for about a month as part of its plans to establish a state organisation. Party leaders have also held preliminary discussions with Devan regarding the possibility of making him the face of the Kerala unit.

The discussions are also said to have covered the possibility of alliances in Kerala. TVK is reportedly looking at setting up party units across the southern states as part of its wider expansion plans.

Meeting with Vijay will decide role

Two TVK leaders from Tamil Nadu reportedly met Devan at his residence in Chalakudy on Friday. Actor Priyanka accompanied them for the meeting, which lasted around three hours. Devan later held a virtual meeting with senior leaders in Chennai.

The TVK side has reportedly offered him the post of Kerala state president. Devan is said to have told the leaders that he would take a final decision after meeting Vijay in Chennai.

The actor has also said that he and Vijay share a personal connection, having acted together in six films in lead and negative roles. The proposed meeting is expected to settle Devan’s position in the party.

From People’s Party to BJP

Devan has had a long association with politics outside the BJP. He founded the Kerala People’s Party in 2004 and contested the Wadakkanchery by-election that year as the party’s candidate.

The party was later renamed the Nava Kerala People’s Party in 2020. In 2021, Devan merged the party with the BJP following a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He was subsequently appointed to a senior position in the Kerala BJP.

Devan had contested elections before joining the BJP, including the 2004 and 2006 Kerala Assembly elections, but was unsuccessful.

His resignation from the BJP was announced on August 16, although he formally sent his resignation letter to the party later. According to reports, the letter was sent by registered post to Mararji Bhavan on Friday.

Alongside his political career, Devan has been a familiar face in Malayalam cinema for decades. His career began in the 1980s, and he went on to appear in more than 200 films across Malayalam and other South Indian languages.

With agency inputs