IDUKKI: MM Mani on Thursday dismissed reports that former CPM MLA Rajendran will join the BJP. Mani stated that he hopes that Rajendran would stand with the party and that he and the district secretary have spoken to him.

"Do I have to say it again? I know this weird issue with you. I don't think Rajendran will go. I said yesterday too. I hope that Rajendran will stand with the party. District secretary Jayachandran and I have spoken with him. He also attended the convention. News has come saying that he met Javadekar because of his relative's insistence and expressed regret. But I didn't see that, but I heard from people around me. I don't think Rajendran will go for any reason. He was a member of the district committee of the party. He was an MLA for 15 years and was also the district panchayat president. The party has given him a livelihood. He will also get a living pension. I believe he'll be active. I don't have any other thoughts now," Mani said.

Rajendran had held a meeting with BJP Kerala prabhari Prakash Javadekar in New Delhi on Wednesday. The two discussed for an hour. But later he attended the LDF convention.