Kayamkulam: Five CPM workers, including a former branch secretary, have joined the BJP in Pathiyoor. One of the new members is Rajan Kalathil, the former CPM branch secretary of Maliyekkal.

On Tuesday, BJP leader Sobha Surendran welcomed the newcomers by draping shawls over their shoulders during an election convention held in Pathiyoor as part of the local body ward election campaign. Former district panchayat member Bipin C. Babu, who recently left the CPM to join the BJP, was also present at the event.

Bipin C. Babu's defection just days ago was followed by a series of resignations from the CPM. The recent shifts are believed to be driven by anticipation of a BJP victory in the upcoming byelection for ward 12 of the Pathiyoor panchayat.

Meanwhile, after Bipin C. Babu's departure from the CPM, a domestic violence case has been filed against him and his mother based on a complaint lodged by his wife.