Kasaragod (Kerala) | In the shifting landscape of Kerala politics, few journeys have been as striking as that of Sandeep Varier.

Not long ago, he was one of the most visible faces of the BJP and Sangh Parivar in the state -- a sharp, combative presence on TV debates, often taking on the Congress and its ally, the Indian Union Muslim League, in some of the harshest terms.

Today, his political reality looks very different.

Nearly two years after joining the Congress in November 2024, Varier has been elected as an MLA from Trikaripur in Kasaragod district -- a constituency long seen as a stronghold of the CPI(M).

Varier secured 83,109 votes and won by a margin of 4,431 against CPI(M)'s Mustafa in the April 9 polls.

The seat also carries history-- it was once represented by former Chief Minister E K Nayanar.

But it is not just the victory that stands out. Standing before reporters after his win, Varier made a point to acknowledge the support he received from IUML leadership, especially its supremo Panakkad Sadik Ali Shihab Thangal.

"When my candidature was announced, Thangal said that I was not just a candidate of the Congress, but also of the IUML. Not only that, he came here directly and supported my campaign," he said.

The endorsement was not incidental.

According to senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, the IUML had played a decisive role even before the campaign began.

"They specifically asked for him (Varier) and said that they would work to ensure his win in the constituency. So, it was a calculated move by the Congress and UDF," Chennithala said.

Varier also claimed that leaders of all religions spoke in favour of a UDF win from Trikaripur, and that this helped the front take over the Left stronghold.

"This is evident from the voting pattern. We received the support of people from all religions and communities," he contended.

He also said he received strong support from Kasaragod MP Rajmohan Unnithan and assured that he would work with the senior Congress leader to address the decades-long backwardness of the constituency.

He added that he would include his poll rival, V P P Mustafa, and others, irrespective of their political leanings, in efforts for the development of the constituency.

"The people of Trikaripur will no longer need someone's recommendation letter or backing to meet their MLA. I will always be accessible to the people of Trikaripur," he said.

Varier said there were many leaders like Unnithan in the party and that he would follow in their footsteps.

He alleged that there was significant fake voting in the constituency and said that, had that not been the case, his victory margin would have been much higher.

He also said that anti-incumbency sentiment, the work done by the UDF, and the lack of development in the constituency over decades all contributed to his victory.

His candidature from the seat had not only allegedly resulted in attacks against him from the Left, but even the Congress leadership in Kasaragod had opposed his selection on the grounds that they were not consulted.

Varier joined the Congress in November 2024, just days before the Palakkad Assembly bypoll.

He said that alleged neglect by the saffron party and its purported constant compromises with Pinarayi Vijayan were the reasons for his exit.

"I am taking a membership in the shop of love," he had said.

He was later appointed as a Congress party spokesperson.