Putting an end to all the speculations, Khushbu Sundar has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at an event in New Delhi on Monday, 12 October. She was inducted into the party in the presence of BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra, Tamil Nadu state president L Murugan and National General Secretary CT Ravi.
Apart from the actor-politician, Madan Ravichandran and former IRS officer Saravana Kumar also joined the party on Monday.
“There might be a change in my party but not in my ideologies. I am more of an activist than a politician.”Khushbu Sundar, Actor-Politician
This political development has come as a surprise, as she has always been vocal against the saffron party’s policies.
“It gives me immense pleasure to become a part of BJP. We need Modiji to take the nation to the next level. I am completely happy with the Bharatiya Janata Party and promise to do my best.”Khushbu Sundar, Actor-Politician
Forced to Criticise BJP As I Was Cong Spokesperson: Sundar
Khushbu assured her absolute commitment to make the BJP victorious in Tamil Nadu in the upcoming elections. She also met BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda.
Tamil Nadu BJP state unit president L Murugan said, “The BJP is ensuring true governance to the people of India, which is why many businessmen and politicians are joining the party. They want a Modi-led government in Tamil Nadu. So I welcome you to the party.”
Brushing aside allegations of corruption in BJP, Khusbhoo said, “It is a constant change. I am understanding now what is required for the people. There is no corruption in BJP.”
When questioned if she would like to retract all the allegations made against the BJP and PM Modi, she clarified, “In the past, I have congratulated PM Modi, say in the issue of NEP, and even Amit Shah. I am only concerned about who is doing good for the country. I have criticised BJP many times because I was forced into saying those things because that is the party line and I was the Congress spokesperson.”
Felt ‘Suppressed’ in Cong, Kushbu Alleged
Khushbu had tendered her resignation as the spokesperson of the Indian National Congress (INC) earlier during the day.
In a letter addressed to Sonia Gandhi, President of the Indian National Congress, Khushbu said she took great pride in representing the party on different platforms.
She pointed out that she had joined the party when it was at its lowest after being defeated in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. “I did not walk into the party for any momentary gains, name or fortune,” the letter read.
“Few elements seated at higher level within the party, people who have no connectivity with the ground reality or public recognition are dictating terms and people like me who wanted to work for the party sincerely are being pushed and suppressed.”Khushbu Sundar, Actor- Politician
Even before her resignation letter emerged, the party issued a notice stating Khushbu Sundar has been dropped as the AICC spokesperson with immediate effect.
The party said that her exit would have "zero damage" in Tamil Nadu.
“She is an actress and has popularity but that is not political popularity, just cine popularity. After MGR, no actor has got the most power in politics in Tamil Nadu. So we are not bothered by her move to BJP. Tamil Nadu cadre is not worried about her,” KS Alagiri, Congress state president said.
A Surprise Development
On Sunday, a cryptic tweet posted by her fuelled the rumours. “Many see a change in me. Well as you age, you evolve n grow, learn n unlearn, perceptions change… you understand the difference between right n wrong. Change is inevitable (sic),” she had tweeted.
Sources close to the party suggested that she had been unhappy that the Congress did not give a ticket to contest in the Lok Sabha election. There are speculations of the BJP to have promised her a Rajya Sabha seat. The party could also employ her to break new ground in Tamil Nadu for the 2021 Assembly elections.
Even as recently as last week, she had rejected the speculation about her joining the BJP.
While speaking to reporters in New Delhi on 6 October, she had said, “If he (TN BJP chief Murugan) informs you that I’ll join BJP what can I do for that? There were rumours about this and Murugan might have thought that it would be good if I join the party. So it feels good that they think Khusbhu’s presence in BJP will be good but I am happy in Congress.”
Khushbu Sundar was once a top actor in the Tamil film industry who has acted in more than 200 movies and a popular television presenter. She has received three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, one Kerala State Film Award – Special Mention and was conferred with the prestigious Kalaimamani by the Tamil Nadu government.
She entered politics by joining the DMK in May 2010 and quit in July 2014. It was in November 2014, that she joined the Congress.
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