Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 8 (NationPress) Political shifts are not unfamiliar in Kerala, but the current transformation is noteworthy as it extends beyond just elected officials and party members.

Media figures and well-known television commentators, previously thought to be aligned ideologically, are now making their way into actual politics, creating a blend between political analysis and active engagement.

The most remarkable instance of this trend is Reji Lukose, a frequent participant in Malayalam television discussions and known for his Leftist perspective.

Lukose officially became a member of the BJP on Thursday at the party’s state office, where he was welcomed by state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

This transition has ignited conversations not only because of the political party he has joined but also due to the significant shift in Kerala’s political landscape, where influential commentators are now assuming active political roles.

In justifying his choice, Lukose stated that politics based on “decayed ideas” is outdated in Kerala, and he sees promise in the BJP’s focus on developmental goals.

He pointed out that, ideologically, the state is not in a phase that necessitates political conflict. With many young individuals leaving Kerala for better opportunities, he cautioned that the state might face the danger of becoming an aging society if this trend persists.

According to him, the urgent need now is for development instead of ideological inflexibility, making it clear that he will exclusively support and represent the BJP moving forward.

The CPI(M) quickly sought to distance itself from Lukose, with its Kottayam district committee asserting that he was never part of the party’s official structure.

They claimed that he had previously been advised against presenting himself as a Leftist ally in media discussions, noting that this perception was largely created by the media.

His recent stance had hinted at a divergence from the typical CPI(M) viewpoint on several topics that had been up for debate.

As elections draw near, Lukose’s departure highlights a broader reality: in Kerala’s intensely politicized atmosphere, even those who once shaped political dialogues from the comforts of television are now drawn into formal party dynamics.

Upon welcoming Lukose, the Kerala BJP announced on X that senior leader Regi Lukose, once a prominent figure of the CPI(M) in Kerala’s political arena, has joined their ranks during a ceremony at the state office. "Dismissing Leftist politics that relies solely on stagnation and appeasement, it is the influence of the 'Vikasita Keralam' vision introduced by state president Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar that has led him to the BJP," stated the party.