Padmaja Venugopal’s BJP Switch: The Untold Reasons

Thrissur: Padmaja Venugopal’s decision to switch from the Congress party to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stems from three primary factors. Firstly, the construction of the Karunakaran memorial, in memory of her father, has been dragging on. Secondly, the rejection of her demand for a Rajya Sabha seat has angered Padmaja. Thirdly, she has been unable to accept the positions held by the party members who defeated her in the Thrissur assembly elections.

Even today, Congress leadership attempted to persuade Padmaja of her decision. AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal spoke to Padmaja, but she informed the AICC that she would not back down from her resolution. Parivar channel Janam has also reported that Congress leader Padmaja Venugopal has accepted membership in the BJP.

Negotiations and Political Maneuvering

According to reports, Padmaja Venugopal decided to resign from Congress and join the BJP after meeting with senior leaders, including BJP National President JP Nadda. The BJP believes that with the daughter of former Chief Minister and Congress leader K. Karunakaran joining their ranks, the political landscape in Kerala will undoubtedly change.

The continuous neglect of the Congress party leadership and the shift in Congress stance prompted Padmaja Venugopal to embark on a path towards the BJP. Notably, Padmaja contested from the Thrissur constituency in the last two assembly elections on behalf of the Congress party. If she accepts BJP membership on the eve of the Lok Sabha elections, it will be a heavy blow for Congress.

Padmaja had anticipated securing a Rajya Sabha seat this time around. However, during discussions for the third seat, it went to the Muslim League. It was Padmaja’s brother Muralidharan who discussed the strength of the League, consequently strengthening its position. The development angered Padmaja, ultimately leading to her decision to join the BJP. Additionally, Suresh Gopi intervened, becoming aware of Padmaja’s mindset and facilitating her journey to Delhi, where the BJP welcomed her. Padmaja also complained that Muralidharan constantly praised the league, denying her a Rajya Sabha seat.

As the daughter of the all-time prominent leader of Congress in Kerala, her affiliation will be helpful for campaigning purposes. Therefore, the BJP may offer a Rajya Sabha seat to Padmaja. Currently, the terms of Malayalee BJP candidates who won from various states have expired. In this situation, they can consider Padmaja for the next term. Suresh Gopi reportedly gave this assurance to Padmaja.

Speculation and Denial

There are indications that Padmaja Venugopal may accept BJP membership at the party headquarters on Thursday. Padmaja Venugopal is in Delhi, reportedly in discussions with BJP leaders. Later in the afternoon, news of Padmaja Venugopal joining the BJP surfaced. However, Padmaja herself took to Facebook that evening, denying the reports and stating, “It was a joke, I didn’t think it would turn out like this.”

Nevertheless, she later withdrew the Facebook post. Reports suggest that Padmaja Venugopal will accept membership at BJP headquarters on Thursday or Friday, marking a significant development in Kerala’s political landscape.