Thiruvananthapuram, August23
Actor and former BJP leader Devan is likely to join Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) as the party prepares to expand its organisational footprint beyond Tamil Nadu.
Preliminary talks between Devan and senior TVK functionaries have reportedly been completed. As part of the discussions, two party leaders visited the actor’s residence in Chalakudy on Friday. Actor Priyanka was also present during the meeting.
Devan is expected to meet Vijay in Chennai after September 10. A final decision and formal announcement on his induction are likely to follow the meeting. Reports indicate that he may be appointed president of TVK’s proposed Kerala unit.
The meeting has been scheduled after September 10 because the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly session is set to continue until September 8.
TVK, which came to power in Tamil Nadu in the first Assembly election it contested, is now exploring the possibility of expanding into other southern States. Its discussions with Devan are believed to form part of this wider organisational plan. Party representatives had earlier held online talks with him before initiating direct discussions.
Devan’s longstanding association with Vijay in the film industry is also believed to have helped move the negotiations forward. The two actors have appeared together in six films and are understood to share a cordial personal relationship.
Devan previously served as a Kerala BJP vice-president. He announced his resignation from the party during a function at the Kanichukulangara temple, taking the BJP leadership by surprise.
While explaining his departure, Devan said he wanted to pursue a political path based on the ideals and teachings of social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. He alleged that he had not witnessed such an approach within the Kerala BJP during his five-year association with the party.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi reportedly attempted to persuade Devan to withdraw his resignation, but the actor remained firm in his decision.
