In a significant political shift in Kerala, Reji Lukose, a well-known media face and firebrand defender of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) for over a decade, officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday. Lukose's defection is seen as a notable gain for the BJP's state unit, which has been striving to expand its footprint in the southern state.
A Stunning Defection After 35 Years
The induction ceremony was held at the BJP's state headquarters, presided over by Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Lukose, who spent 35 years with the CPI(M), did not mince words when explaining his dramatic exit. He expressed deep pain over what he described as a recent "ideological deviation" by his former party.
"For the last 35 years, I've been with the CPI(M). I'm pained over the ideological deviation of the CPI(M) in the recent month," Lukose stated to the media after joining the BJP. He launched a sharp critique, accusing the CPI(M) of attempting to create a communal divide in Kerala, a charge that strikes at the heart of the Left party's traditional secular stance.
"Persons like me stood with CPI(M) over the years because of that party's fight against communalism. However, recently the party has been supporting communalism, which is disturbing," he added.
Embracing BJP's 'Development Agenda'
Lukose outlined his new political alignment, stating he was impressed by the BJP's development narrative. He claimed that the progress witnessed in North India had surprised him and argued that Kerala needed to shed outdated ideologies to avoid stagnation.
"If we go ahead with the outdated ideology, Kerala will soon turn into an old age home," Lukose claimed. He pledged to now become "the voice of BJP" in the public sphere. His background adds weight to this promise; Lukose is a former international correspondent and has been the primary representative of the CPI(M) in countless televised debates and media interactions over the past ten years.
CPI(M) Downplays the Exit
The CPI(M) leadership swiftly moved to downplay the significance of Lukose's departure. Senior leader and minister V N Vasavan responded by noting that Lukose never held any official post within the party structure. He framed the move as an individual seeking greener pastures rather than a reflection of party weakness.
"There are people who go in search of green pastures. Such attritions will not impact the LDF, which is going to fight the elections highlighting development and welfare," Vasavan stated. This response indicates the Left Democratic Front's strategy to minimize the narrative impact of the defection, especially with an eye on future electoral battles.
The move highlights the ongoing political realignments and intense competition in Kerala, where the BJP is working to position itself as a viable alternative to the traditional LDF and UDF fronts. Lukose's deep understanding of Left ideology and his skills as a communicator could provide the BJP with a potent voice to critique its principal opponent in the state.
