Devan’s resignation hint puts Kerala BJP under renewed political scrutiny
P.C. George’s remarks, S. Rajendran-related allegations add to questions over discontent among leaders who joined the party from outside
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The BJP in Kerala is facing renewed political scrutiny following actor and former State BJP president Devan’s indication that he may quit the party, amid questions over the political positions of P.C. George and former CPM MLA S. Rajendran.
Devan, speaking at an event in Kanichulangara, indicated that he had decided to step down from the party and relinquish his membership. He also said that his resignation letter had been prepared. However, he did not formally submit the letter at the venue.
The announcement has since triggered speculation within political circles over the reasons for his decision and whether it reflects wider dissatisfaction among leaders who joined the BJP from other political backgrounds.
Questions over election funds
The developments come against the backdrop of allegations relating to the handling of election funds involving Mr. Rajendran, who had joined the BJP after leaving the CPM.
Questions have been raised over the utilisation of funds reportedly received during an election campaign. Claims that only around ₹25 lakh was spent with Mr. Rajendran’s knowledge and direct involvement have led to questions about the whereabouts and utilisation of the remaining amount.
The allegations and the BJP leadership’s response to them have become a subject of discussion among party workers and political observers. However, the allegations themselves require verification and cannot, at this stage, be treated as established findings.
P.C. George’s position
P.C. George’s recent public remarks have added another layer to the discussion. His comments have been interpreted in some political quarters as an indication of dissatisfaction with aspects of the party’s functioning.
Whether the remarks represent an individual political position or are indicative of a broader discontent among leaders who entered the BJP from outside its traditional organisational structure remains unclear.
The simultaneous emergence of these developments has nevertheless prompted questions about the BJP’s ability to accommodate leaders from different political backgrounds.
Vellappally meeting under discussion
Political circles have also begun discussing whether any interaction involving SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan and BDJS leader Tushar Vellappally preceded Devan’s announcement.
Questions have been raised over whether any political discussions took place at Vellappally’s residence and whether they had any connection with Devan’s decision.
However, there is no publicly established evidence at present to substantiate the claim that Devan’s decision was part of any coordinated plan or conspiracy.
The question of whether the developments are connected therefore remains a matter of political speculation rather than an established fact.
A larger organisational question
The developments have revived a broader debate within the BJP over the integration of leaders who have entered the party from other political organisations.
The BJP has expanded its political presence in Kerala by attracting leaders and supporters from different political backgrounds. Managing competing expectations, organisational roles and political ambitions among these groups could become increasingly important as the party prepares for future electoral contests.
The developments also come amid reported differences among sections of the BJP leadership. However, it would be premature to characterise the latest developments merely as another episode of factional rivalry.
The crucial question is whether the developments remain confined to individual leaders or evolve into a wider organisational issue.
Possibility of a new political alignment?
The possibility of smaller political groups and dissatisfied leaders coming together outside the existing political fronts has also begun to figure in political discussions.
Whether such a platform can emerge before the 2029 general election, however, remains uncertain. Kerala’s established political alignments and the organisational strength of the major fronts make the emergence of a viable third political formation a difficult proposition.
For the moment, there is no clear evidence of a formal political realignment involving Devan, P.C. George or Mr. Rajendran.
But the developments have placed the Kerala BJP under renewed scrutiny.
The immediate challenge for the party leadership will be to address concerns among leaders and cadres, clarify its position on the allegations surrounding election funds and prevent individual disagreements from developing into a wider organisational crisis.
Whether Devan eventually submits his resignation, and how P.C. George and Mr. Rajendran position themselves in the coming weeks, could provide a clearer indication of the direction in which the political developments are moving.
For now, the question is not simply whether individual leaders are unhappy with the BJP, but whether their discontent could acquire a broader political dimension in Kerala.
