Thiruvananthapuram: Former BJP leader Sandeep Varier received a warm reception at the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) headquarters on his first visit after joining Congress. He was earlier welcomed enthusiastically by Congress supporters upon reaching the state capital.
KPCC general secretary (organisation) M Liju presented Sandeep with a ceremonial shawl during the event. Other senior Congress leaders, including general secretary G S Babu and political affairs committee member Cherian Philip, were also present.
Sandeep, who accompanied opposition leader V D Satheesan, also attended the swearing-in ceremony of Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil at the legislative assembly on Wednesday morning.
Expressing his satisfaction over the switch, Sandeep highlighted the contrast between BJP's "authoritarian system" and the "democratic and secular values" of Congress. He criticized BJP's governance, claiming it relied on divisive politics, while praising Congress for safeguarding Indian democracy.
Sandeep officially joined Congress during the Palakkad bypoll campaign last month, leaving BJP due to internal conflicts with its state leadership. Congress is likely to provide Sandeep with a key party position, with speculation that he may contest the next assembly elections from Palakkad.