Actor Devan joins TVK after quitting BJP

Thiruvananthapuram: Actor Devan has joined Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the political party led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, shortly after resigning as Kerala BJP vice-president and from the party's primary membership. Reports suggest that Devan may be appointed as the party's Kerala state president.

Photographs of Devan following initial discussions with TVK leaders have emerged. On Friday, two leaders from the TVK's Tamil Nadu unit visited Devan at his residence in Chalakudy. Actor Priyanka was also present. Devan is expected to travel to Chennai after September 10 to meet Vijay, the Tamil Nadu chief minister. A final decision and official announcement are expected after the meeting.

Devan had unexpectedly announced his resignation from the BJP during a function at the Kanichukulangara temple. He said he had decided to quit after realising that the BJP's politics did not align with his vision.

Devan said he had worked aggressively for the BJP and had made significant efforts for Rajeev Chandrasekhar's election campaign in Thiruvananthapuram. However, he said he wanted a political movement that embraced the ideals and teachings of Sree Narayana Guru, which he claimed he had not seen in the state BJP over the past five years.

He said he had decided to resign months ago and had submitted his resignation from both his party positions and primary membership.

Actor Priyanka also came out in support of Devan's decision. She said Devan had been unable to accomplish anything while he was with the BJP and that Vijay was doing in Tamil Nadu the good work Devan had wanted to undertake.

That was why Devan decided to join TVK, Priyanka said, adding that people were free to make negative comments about the decision. She expressed hope that people would stand by what was good and that Kerala would also witness some positive changes.