Kerala Congress Leader Padmaja Venugopal Switches Allegiance to BJP, Shakes Political Landscape

Padmaja Venugopal, a prominent figure in the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee and daughter of former Chief Minister K. Karunakaran, has sparked major political upheaval by signaling her intent to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Her sudden shift has caught the Congress party off guard and provided ammunition to both the ruling Left Democratic Front and the BJP as the Lok Sabha elections loom.

This move has raised questions about the credibility of the United Democratic Front‘s anti-BJP stance, especially given recent high-profile defections to the BJP from the Congress.

In the past year, figures like A.K. Antony’s son, Anil K. Antony, have switched sides, leaving the KPCC in a state of uncertainty.

The possibility of Padmaja Venugopal becoming a BJP candidate in the Chalakudy Lok Sabha constituency adds further intrigue to the unfolding political drama.

During her time in New Delhi for discussions with the BJP leadership, Venugopal expressed feeling marginalized by the Congress, citing instances of mistreatment within the party.

She highlighted her steadfast support for the Congress in the face of past challenges, emphasizing her commitment to her late father’s political legacy.

However, her detractors within the Congress have not taken kindly to her departure, accusing her of abandoning the party and tarnishing her family’s political heritage.

Allegations of pressure from the Enforcement Directorate have also surfaced, fueling speculations about the circumstances surrounding Venugopal’s move.

As political tensions escalate in Kerala, leaders like Ramesh Chennithala, T.N. Prathapan, and Rahul Mamkootathil have denounced Venugopal’s decision, underscoring the divisive nature of her defection.