BJP appoints Major Ravi as state vice-president, former Cong leader promoted to national council

New Delhi: Malayalam filmmaker-actor Major Ravi and former Kannur District Congress Committee (DCC) general secretary C Raghunath have officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Kerala BJP chief K Surendran nominated Major Ravi as the state vice-president of the party, while Raghunath was nominated to the party’s national council

The duo was welcomed into the party fold by BJP national president JP Nadda in a ceremony held in New Delhi, where they were accompanied by BJP Kerala state president K Surendran.

Major Ravi, a former National Security Guard commando officer of the Indian Army, transitioned into the world of cinema post-retirement, delivering films such as Kurukshetra, Karma Yodha, Kandahar, and Picket 43.

Speaking to the media after joining the BJP, Major Ravi expressed his admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and revealed that he has long been aligned with the BJP ideology. He emphasized his desire for change and an opportunity to contribute to the resolution of issues faced by the people of Kerala, citing the support of a formidable political party.

On the other hand, C Raghunath, who had previously served as the general secretary of the Congress Committee, cited his reasons for his shift to the BJP. Raghunath. He said that he felt sidetracked within the Congress party, expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of support and inclusion in party activities.

Having contested against Pinarayi Vijayan from the Dharmadam constituency in the 2021 state Assembly election, Raghunath claimed to have faced insufficient backing from the Congress, further fuelling his decision to join the BJP.

This move by Major Ravi and C Raghunath, pro-BJP quarters claim, will bring about significant changes in the political landscape of Kerala. The duo's decision to align themselves with the BJP is being used by the party as specimens of leaders from diverse backgrounds gravitating towards the party.