C R Kesavan, the great grandson of C Rajagopalachari, India’s last governor general and a notable freedom fighter, recently joined the BJP. The party hopes to increase its presence in southern India with this move. Kesavan was previously a member of the Congress party but praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s people-centric policies, corruption-free and inclusive governance, and the “tectonic” transformation he has brought to India. He also commended the government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and credited it for India’s rise in global stature. Kesavan hails from Tamil Nadu and mentioned the recent ‘Kashi-Tamil Samagam’ as an example of the government celebrating India’s history and traditions. He also praised the BJP for their deep respect for the country’s founding fathers and mothers.
Kesavan joined the party in the presence of Union Minister VK Singh and BJP chief spokesperson Anil Baluni. Singh spoke about Rajagopalachari’s contribution to the country and alleged that he was “sidelined” after independence and “invisiblised” from history by “one family” who claimed they did everything. Singh believes Kesavan will be a strong voice in the BJP and Tamil Nadu politics.
The BJP has been inducting people from different southern states into the party in recent days. This is significant because the BJP remains a marginal force in southern India.
