NEW DELHI: Padmaja Venugopal had stated that she would join BJP at 5 pm on Thursday, but for reasons unknown, it was extended to 6:30 pm. Even journalists reaching Delhi had no idea about the timings but all surprises were put to bay at 5:15 pm on Thursday.

Journalists based in Delhi received a message from BJP headquarters telling them about a prominent personality joining the party by evening 6:30. By around 6:10 pm, Padmaja Venugopal was seen arriving at the party headquarters accompanied by former union minister Prakash Keshav Javadekar. It is assumed that Padmaja was staying at a place arranged by the BJP in Delhi’s Dwarka while there was an ongoing conundrum over her switch to the saffron party in Kerala's political milieu.

Along with Kerala Prabhari Prakash Javadekar, BJP National Secretary Arvind Menon and official spokesperson Tom Vadkan, Padmaja took the seat at the BJP headquarters by 6:24 pm. Padmaja was visibly perturbed and was not in her comfort best.

She also gave a savage reply back at her brother K Muralidharan who earlier taunted her saying their father’s soul would not forgive her.

“I felt like laughing. K Muralidharan never cared for father when he was alive. The time will come when Muralidharan will correct all this. The 'work from home' jibe felt inappropriate. I was facing health problems for the last year and had to stay away from active politics.” Padmaja said.

“I have no regret or animosity with anyone. Like the famous ‘You made me communist’ quote. I can say that it was congress leadership that made me join BJP” said Padmaja Venugopal.