Vijay's TVK to test Kerala waters? This Mollywood actor set to lead state unit

Devan Announces Move to TVK

Malayalam actor S. Devan, who recently quit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), announced on Monday that he has decided to join the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the party led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. Devan, who served as the BJP's state vice-president, had earlier announced his resignation from the party at a public event.

Speaking to reporters, Devan said TVK representatives met him two days ago and invited him to join the party. "After that, there was a video conference meeting and I decided to accept the invitation. There will be a meeting with TVK leaders in Tamil Nadu on September 10, after which a formal announcement will be made," he said. He also stated that he has been offered the post of TVK state president, with discussions on the matter to be held during the upcoming meetings.

Political Journey and Criticisms

Devan's political career began with his involvement in the Congress and its student wing, the Kerala Students Union (KSU), during his student days. However, he alleged that Congress leaders failed to live up to the expectations of the people, prompting him to form his own party in 2004. He started the Kerala People's Party, which was later renamed the Nava Kerala People's Party in 2020.

In 2021, Devan merged his party with the BJP following a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and was subsequently appointed the party's state vice-president. After quitting the BJP recently, he had said he was not getting enough "space" to function within the party.

Devan also criticised the BJP, alleging that it had failed to bring about any meaningful change in Kerala's political system. "They are a big zero when it comes to changing the existing political system here. People want a change," he said.

TVK's Kerala Expansion and Timeline

According to a report in Manorama Online, as cited by THE WEEK, Devan's meeting with TVK leaders in Chennai has been delayed because the Assembly session is scheduled to continue until September 8. Devan will reach Chennai after September 10 to meet TVK chief Vijay, and the final decision and official announcement are expected after that meeting.

The report also mentioned that initial discussions were completed after two TVK leaders arrived at Devan's residence on Friday, and ensured that Devan talked to senior party leadership virtually. Actor Priyanka helped arrange the meeting between TVK representatives and Devan, and was present when the delegation met him at his residence.

TVK is reportedly planning to establish party units in all southern states, and has been in communication with sources in Kerala for the past month. Devan told Manorama Online that his resignation from the BJP, which came amidst mediation efforts by Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi, had nothing to do with his decision to join TVK. He also noted that he and Vijay share a close personal relationship, having acted together in six films.

Perspectives

Devan's Viewpoint: Devan frames his move as a response to dissatisfaction with both Congress and BJP, citing their failures to bring about change in Kerala's political system. He says he wants to be part of a party that can offer him the "space" to function, and his decision to join TVK is separate from his BJP exit.

TVK's Viewpoint: As reported, TVK is expanding its presence across southern states and sees Devan as a key figure to lead its Kerala unit. The party had planned to bring Devan into its fold even while he was with the BJP, but did not pursue discussions at that time.