C.C. Mukundan has officially joined the BJP after being expelled from the CPI, expressing his commitment to the party’s vision.
“BJP works for the welfare of the poor in India… This is the happiest day of my political career,” stated C.C. Mukundan as he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on March 16, 2026, in Thrissur, Kerala. This announcement comes after Mukundan was expelled from the Communist Party of India (CPI), where he had been a prominent figure for nearly four decades.
Mukundan, the sitting MLA from Nattika, had previously attempted to secure a position within the Congress party but was not accommodated. His shift to the BJP is seen as a significant setback for the Left in the region, particularly as the Kerala Assembly elections approach.
“This is part of my fight. I will remain loyal to the party that has supported me,” Mukundan added, indicating his determination to advocate for the BJP’s agenda. His decision follows the CPI’s choice to field Geetha Gopi as their candidate for Nattika, a move that left Mukundan without a ticket.
In his remarks, Mukundan also alleged that the CPI had turned the Nattika seat into a “payment seat,” highlighting his discontent with the party’s internal dynamics. His comments suggest a broader critique of corruption within the CPI, which he plans to address during the upcoming election campaign.
Welcomed into the BJP by leaders such as Justin Jacob and A.N. Radhakrishnan, Mukundan’s transition is expected to influence the political landscape in Nattika significantly. The BJP is gearing up for the elections, with 47 candidates already listed for the polls scheduled for April 9, 2026.
The last date for filing nominations is March 23, 2026, followed by scrutiny on March 24 and the final date for withdrawal of candidatures on March 26. Mukundan’s strategic move to join the BJP may reshape voter sentiments in the region.
As the political climate heats up, Mukundan’s commitment to the BJP and his critiques of the CPI will likely be focal points in the lead-up to the elections. His long-standing experience in politics, coupled with his recent shift, positions him as a key player in the forthcoming electoral battle.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full implications of Mukundan’s move, but it is clear that his allegiance to the BJP marks a pivotal moment in his political journey and the dynamics of Kerala’s political landscape.
