'We Stand Firm With Left Front': Kerala Unit Of JD(S) ‘Rejects’ Decision To Join NDA

The JD(S) of H D Deve Gowda joined the NDA in September and formed an alliance with the BJP for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

JD(S) Kerala President Mathew T Thomas.

Source : X/@ANI

The Kerala section of the Janata Dal (Secular) on Saturday opposed the party leadership's decision to join the NDA and stated that it will continue to support the Left Front in the state, news agency PTI reported. JD(S) state president Mathew T Thomas remarked after the state committee meeting that the top leadership made the statement without any debate in any party forum. He stated that the party's four-decade connection with the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front will continue.

The JD(S) of H D Deve Gowda joined the NDA in September and formed an alliance with the BJP for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Rejecting its national president's announcement, Thomas informed reporters: “The national leadership made the announcement without discussion in any party forum. The declaration to join hands with the BJP was against the organisational policy. The Kerala unit of JD(S) is not in favour of it."

"Will stand firm with the left front. The decision of the national leadership to join the NDA will be rejected. The decision of the national leadership was not taken within the leadership or organization. Constituents of other states will be consulted. Not thinking about merging now, will decide later," he stated further. 

Kochi, Kerela: On the decision to join NDA, JD(S) State President Mathew T Thomas says, "Will stand firm with the left front. The decision of the national leadership to join the NDA will be rejected. The decision of the national leadership was not taken within the leadership or… pic.twitter.com/PmbD7772mR

— ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2023

The rationale came only days after the Congress chastised the ruling CPI(M) in Kerala for keeping the JD(S) as an ally despite the party's national leadership announcing relations with the BJP.

The Congress Party has accused the CPI(M) of giving "political protection" to the JD(S).