Tamil Nadu: Political rivals unite to celebrate defection

While some BJP leaders and Vellalar Peravai expressed happiness after Vijayadharani joined BJP, Congress leaders are also celebrating her exit.

Kanniyakumari district Vellalar Peravai secretary and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) district coordinator E Chandru described Vijaydharani’s decision to join the BJP as a good one. Because, BJP had brought reservation for EWS.
Stating that around three lakh voters belonging to EWS are part of the electorate in the district, he said, “We have appealed to the BJP to field Vijayadharani in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections to ensure victory. She belongs to the Vellalar community As a Supreme Court lawyer, she is fluent in multiple languages and is talented.”

BJP district president C Dharmaraj said Vijayadharan’s entry into the BJP will strengthen the party in Kanniyakumari district as he enjoys immense respect and support among the local people.
Meanwhile, Congress District (West) President Dr Binulal Singh said that since Vijaydharani was not visiting her constituency Vilavancode frequently and was not taking care of it, the people there did not regret her moving out. .

“Since Vilavancode is a Congress stronghold, a new MLA from the party will help in the development of the constituency,” he said.
Sources said many Congress leaders are happy with the latest development as they are eyeing a ticket to contest from Vilavancode.
Since the majority of voters in the district are from the Nadar community, voters will watch whether the BJP decides to field a candidate from the Nadar community like before or choose a new face from some other community.