Malayalam Actor Devan Quits BJP to Join Vijay TVK

In a significant political development in South India, veteran Malayalam actor Devan has announced his departure from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to join Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the newly formed political party led by Tamil cinema superstar Vijay. Devan revealed that he was offered the top leadership position to head TVK's Kerala operations, marking a major shift in the political landscape of the state as Vijay's party seeks to establish a strong footprint outside Tamil Nadu.

Explaining his decision to part ways with the saffron party, Devan launched a scathing attack on the leadership of the BJP in Kerala. He described the party's performance and organizational structure in the state as a 'big zero', expressing profound disillusionment with its functioning over the past few years. According to Devan, the local leadership of the BJP has failed to build genuine grassroots support or accommodate political figures who wish to bring meaningful administrative changes to Kerala. He noted that despite high expectations when he aligned with the party, the ground reality proved starkly different, with internal factionalism and a lack of clear political strategy crippling its potential growth.

Devan's political journey has seen multiple shifts over the decades. Before joining the BJP, he founded the Kerala People's Party (KPP) in 2004, striving to present a third alternative in a state historically dominated by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF). In March 2021, right ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections, Devan merged his party with the BJP during a high-profile political rally attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. At the time, senior BJP leaders welcomed Devan into the party fold with great enthusiasm, projecting him as a prominent cultural figure who could broaden the party's appeal among neutral voters.

However, Devan maintained that his time with the BJP was marked by neglect and inaction. He stated that the party leadership repeatedly ignored suggestions aimed at revitalizing organizational machinery and connecting with the electorate. Frustrated by the lack of progress and the internal political culture, Devan decided to step away from the BJP and explore fresh political avenues. His decision to align with TVK comes at a crucial juncture, as Vijay's party prepares for a major push in regional politics ahead of upcoming electoral battles.

Vijay launched TVK in early 2024 with an eye on the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The party has been actively recruiting influential regional figures and establishing state committees to build a robust organization. Given Vijay's massive fan base in Kerala—where Tamil cinema enjoys enormous popularity—TVK sees potential in expanding its political presence across the border. By bringing a recognized face like Devan on board, TVK aims to gain instant visibility and credibility in Kerala politics. Devan expressed confidence that Vijay's political platform would offer a fresh perspective and genuine space for constructive governance.