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Ex-CPI MLA Mukundan Joins BJP, Resigns to Contest from Nattika

CPI MLA C.C. Mukundan has resigned from the Kerala Legislative Assembly after joining the Bharatiya Janata Party. He has been given the BJP ticket to contest from the Nattika constituency in the upcoming Assembly election. His exit from the CPI followed internal tensions after the party named former MLA Geetha Gopi as its candidate instead of him, a decision he criticized as a "payment seat". The BJP hopes Mukundan's local credibility and modest public image will help convert its growing vote share in Nattika into a winning challenge.

Key Points: CPI MLA Mukundan Resigns, Gets BJP Ticket for Nattika

  • CPI MLA resigns and joins BJP
  • To contest from Nattika on BJP ticket
  • Exit follows candidacy denial for Geetha Gopi
  • Known for modest "ideal Communist" image
  • BJP aims to convert vote share into win
2 min read

CPI MLA Mukundan submits resignation from Assembly, to fight on BJP ticket

CPI MLA C.C. Mukundan resigns from Kerala Assembly, joins BJP, and gets ticket to contest from Nattika constituency in upcoming polls.

"payment seat - C. C. Mukundan"

Thrissur, March 17

CPI MLA C. C. Mukundan, who has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, resigned from the Assembly on Tuesday.

Mukundan, who quit the Communist Party of India (CPI) last week, has now been given the BJP ticket to contest from Nattika in the April 9 Assembly election.

Within an hour of announcing his decision on Monday that he is leaving the CPI, he walked into the local BJP office in his hometown in Thrissur, where his induction was formalised.

Known for his soft-spoken demeanour and no-frills style, Mukundan is expected to draw a section of traditional CPI voters, giving the BJP renewed confidence in the constituency.

Party leaders believe his local connections and personal credibility could translate into votes. Mukundan was seen as an "ideal Communist" after his personal struggles surfaced last year. Living in a leaking house and facing loan repayment issues after funding his daughter's wedding, he kept his hardships private.

His situation came to light only after an injury at home, and a viral image revealed his modest living conditions.

Added to it, the BJP's optimism is also rooted in its steady rise in vote share in Nattika over the years.

In the 2021 Assembly elections, the party secured close to 22 per cent of the votes.

With Mukundan now in its ranks, expectations have risen sharply within the party camp.

Mukundan's exit from the CPI comes in the wake of internal tensions after the party leadership named former MLA Geetha Gopi as its candidate for the constituency, replacing him.

He had openly criticised the decision, alleging that the candidature was a "payment seat".

He also claimed that he was sidelined because he was unwilling or unable to mobilise funds as allegedly expected by his party.

Following his expulsion, Mukundan held discussions with leaders of the Congress, but no agreement was reached.

The Congress subsequently decided to field its own candidate in the constituency.

With Mukundan's entry, the BJP hopes to convert its growing vote base into a stronger electoral challenge in Nattika, setting the stage for what might turn out to be a closely watched contest.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Very sad to see. He was a respected CPI MLA. But jumping to BJP within hours? It feels more like personal grievance than ideology. The "payment seat" allegation is serious, but switching sides so fast doesn't inspire confidence in his principles.
R
Rohit P
Smart move by BJP! They are playing the game well in Kerala. Mukundan Anna has local connect and a clean image. If he can bring even 30% of his traditional vote with him, BJP might create history in Nattika! 🚀
M
Meera T
His personal story is heartbreaking. A sitting MLA living in such conditions speaks volumes. While I don't agree with his move to BJP, it highlights a big problem in our political parties – the pressure to generate funds. Where is the dignity?
A
Aman W
Congress also missed a chance here. They could have gained a strong candidate. Now it's a three-cornered fight which might split the anti-BJP vote. CPI's internal politics has cost them dearly this time.
K
Kavya N
End of the day, voters will decide. We need leaders who work on the ground, not just switch flags for a ticket. Let's see what he does for Nattika now. His work will prove his intent.

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