Sandeep Varier being welcomed by KPCC president K. Sudhakaran, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan and other Congress leaders at Palakkad, Kerala, on November 16, 2024. | Photo Credit: K.K. Mustafah

BJP dissident Sandeep Varier joins Congress in Kerala

Sandeep Varier, who was at loggerheads with BJP State leadership for some time over alleged insults and neglect from party, surprised political circles by aligning with Congress only four days ahead of Palakkad Assembly byelection

by · The Hindu

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Kerala State committee member Sandeep Varier quit the party and joined the Congress in Palakkad on Saturday (November 16, 2024).

Mr. Varier, who was at loggerheads with the BJP State leadership for quite some time over alleged insults and neglect from the party, surprised the political circles by aligning with the Congress only four days ahead of the Assembly byelection in Palakkad.

“I am embracing the politics of love,” Mr. Varier told reporters at a press conference in Palakkad.

The Congress State leadership welcomed Mr. Varier.

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president K. Sudhakaran and Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan said Mr. Varier would be “happy” to join the Congress.

The bypoll in Palakkad will be held on November 20.

Meanwhile, BJP State president K. Surendran responded that Mr. Varier’s exit would not make any impact on the party.

(with inputs from PTI)

Published - November 16, 2024 11:57 am IST