Promise not fulfilled; Padmaja Venugopal heading back to Congress?

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Padmaja Venugopal responded to rumours regarding her switch back to Congress after a purported fallout with BJP state leadership. Padmaja said it is so far so good with BJP and denied rumours of returning to Congress.

This response follows reports of her alleged dissatisfaction, which emerged after Niveditha Subramaniam was appointed as a member of the National Commission for Women.

"I have no dissatisfaction regarding the selection of Niveditha Subramaniam as a member of the National Commission for Women; she is a deserving candidate. I have not considered leaving the BJP," said Padmaja. She also addressed reports suggesting there are moves to bring her back into the Congress party.

Padmaja said no leaders from Congress approached her, assuming she would make a return to the grand old party. There were reports that a faction within the Congress—specifically those close to K. Muraleedharan—had initiated efforts to bring Padmaja back into the party fold. Padmaja is currently travelling to Dubai and will return in two weeks to discuss the matter further.

Padmaja contested the last assembly election at the behest of the BJP's national leadership. The BJP had reportedly promised her a position as a Governor or another constitutional post, even in the face of a defeat. However, after losing the election, the BJP leadership turned a blind eye towards her. Consequently, reports emerged suggesting that a dissatisfied Padmaja might return to the Congress fold.