Munnar: Former CPM MLA from Devikulam S Rajendran is set to join the BJP. An official announcement from the BJP’s state leadership is expected within a month. He held a meeting with BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

Rajendran stated that his decision to join the BJP was not driven by personal positions or any desire to contest elections. He clarified that he had not put forth such demands. However, he added that he had presented certain general demands related to Munnar and the Devikulam constituency before the BJP leadership, and a final decision would be taken once discussions with the state leadership were completed.

Rajendran is currently setting up a service cooperative society focused on plantation workers. The society aims to provide various facilities, including loan assistance for workers, and is seen as a means to strengthen the BJP’s organisational base in the high-range region. The cooperative society is expected to be inaugurated next month, during which an official announcement regarding Rajendran’s entry into the BJP is likely to be made.

Speculation about Rajendran’s shift to the BJP has been strong for over two years. He had earlier met BJP national president J P Nadda as well. Though he had denied such reports at the time, he has now confirmed that he has held discussions with the BJP leadership.