Expelled CPI MLA from Nattika CC Mukundan joins BJP in Kerala

Thrissur: In a major political development ahead of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, CC Mukundan, the sitting MLA from Nattika who was recently expelled from the CPI, formally joined the BJP on Monday. Mukundan accepted party membership at the BJP district committee office, Namo Bhavan, in the presence of senior leaders.

The legislator's move to the saffron fold follows his high-profile exit from the CPI last week. Mukundan was expelled after he publicly accused the Left leadership of "selling" the Nattika seat and declared his intention to contest as an independent. While he had initially engaged in discussions with senior Congress leaders in New Delhi for UDF support, the local Congress unit’s strong opposition reportedly led to the collapse of those talks.

Speaking at the event, Mukundan expressed his confidence in the BJP’s vision for marginalised communities.

"I joined the party with the expectation that there will be more changes. My biggest desire is to protect the interests of the people and provide them with better facilities," he said.

He further committed himself to his new party, stating he had taken a pledge to remain "sincere to the BJP" and expressed certainty that he "would emerge victorious" in the upcoming elections.

Mukundan also addressed his failed talks with the Congress, admitting to the meetings but stating he did not know why the arrangement failed to materialise. He had previously slammed the CPI for nominating former MLA Geetha Gopi in Nattika instead of giving him a second term. Senior BJP leaders A N Radhakrishnan and B Gopalakrishnan were present to officially welcome him into the party.

PTI