CPI(M)-Ally LJD Merges With Lalu Prasad Yadav's RJD Ahead Of 2024 Lok Sabha Polls

The Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD), an ally of the ruling CPI(M) in Kerala, merged with Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Kerala's Kozhikode on Thursday.

File Photo Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav

Source : Getty Images

In Kerala, the Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD), a long-standing ally of the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), merged with Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The merger was formalised at a Thursday evening convention held at M K Premnath Nagar, where the LJD, led by President M V Shreyams Kumar, adopted a resolution solidifying the two socialist parties' union.

LJD-RJD Merger Convention at Kozhikode, Kerala pic.twitter.com/ERV4hNExLu

— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) October 12, 2023

As per a report by PTI, the resolution was passed in the presence of Tejashwi Yadav, RJD leader and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister. This decision, according to Kumar, was the result of careful consideration and took some time due to the party's previous experiences. He emphasised that the decision was made unanimously by LJD members, who were unwilling to compromise with what they saw as communal forces in the country.

Kumar stated that the merger would not be reversed in the future, and that they were committed to carrying the RJD flag for future generations. He accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using divisive tactics to divide people and religions, according to the report. 

He stated that the I.N.D.I.A bloc, of which the RJD is a member, seeks to challenge this approach because they believe democracy, the judiciary, and all constitutional authorities are under attack.

Kumar praised the RJD for conducting a caste-based survey in Bihar, highlighting the state's importance in Indian politics.

Tejashwi Yadav praised the merger, noting that both the RJD and the LJD have been at the forefront of the fight for equality and social justice. In his address to the convention's thousands of LJD workers and supporters, he explained that his party had laid the groundwork for the I.N.D.I.A bloc by convening a conference in Patna with all opposition political parties, the PTI report said. 

He claimed that historically, ideological differences between socialist parties led to factionalism and weakened their collective action. "The merger and unity like this can help bridge the divides, promote collaboration and prevent internal conflicts that might undermine the overall goals of socialism," Yadav said in a statement, as reported by PTI. 

He stated that the two parties' unity would aid in presenting a more formidable and coherent position.

"Our merger and unity will contribute to the broadening appeal of socialist ideas and policies. We need it urgently in today's India," Yadav said.

Referring to the BJP's rule at the Centre, Yadav stated that the country was facing numerous challenges, the "most important of which was from fascism, which is the true character of the Indian government."

He claimed that the BJP had taken over all of the country's constitutional authorities and agencies and urged everyone to resist and fight back.

Yadav stated that the saffron party was concerned about the caste-based poll conducted in Bihar after the results were released on October 2. "It (BJP) does not know how to deal with it," he added.

Yadav further said that he and Bihar's Chief Minister would "write a new script for inclusive development while addressing the core concern of representation in proportion to population."

Yadav concluded his speech by handing over the RJD flag and membership to Kumar and other LJD leaders.

Prior to the event, Yadav stated in a press conference that the merger of the RJD and LJD would strengthen the party's presence in southern India, sending a strong message to socialist factions across the country. He also stated that, while the Congress is an RJD alliance partner in Bihar, it will align with the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala, PTI reported.