A three-time CPM MLA from Devikulam, Rajendran joined BJP in Jan 2026
He said his objective was to stand with the people and work towards resolving long-standing problems facing Idukki. Idukki : Former CPM MLA S Rajendran has hit back at criticism over his appearance in the RSS uniform at a Vijayadashami celebration in Munnar, saying that neither his decision to wear the uniform nor his move to BJP was motivated by personal interests.
Rajendran represented the Devikulam assembly constituency as a CPM candidate in 2006, 2011 and 2016, serving as MLA for 15 years. He joined BJP in Jan 2026 and later contested the Devikulam assembly constituency as NDA candidate in the 2026 election.
Highlighting the challenges facing Idukki, Rajendran said intervention by the Central govt was essential to address issues concerning forest land and plantation areas. He also pointed out that he had entered another political party after a gap of five years, urging those questioning his decision to take his public life and personal circumstances into account. The region has been grappling with complex land-related issues that have affected residents and plantation communities. He also served as president of the Idukki district panchayat. His relationship with CPM subsequently deteriorated, eventually leading to his departure from the party.
Responding to the criticism, Rajendran said he had never pursued politics for positions or financial benefits. I joined BJP to stand with the people and work to resolve the problems of the region,” he said. The former MLA said critics should examine the circumstances that led to his political transition instead of judging his actions in isolation.
He maintained that his decisions should be viewed in the context of his political journey and the issues affecting the people he had represented. “I did not wear the uniform out of selfishness.