KOZHIKODE: Bringing an end to the long-drawn merger talks, Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) has finally decided to merge with Janata Dal (Secular). Both parties are LDF constituents in state. The decision was taken at the meeting of the state secretariat and state committee meeting of LJD in Kozhikode on Thursday.
The previous meeting of LJD state committee had decided to hold talks with like-minded parties in view of LJD merging with Lalu Prasad-headed Rashtriya Janata Dal nationally.
LJD state president MV Shreyams Kumar said state unit of the party is of the view that in the current political situation in state, it would be good for the party to merge with JD (S), though talks were also held with RJD. “The modalities of the merger will be decided in the coming days and process will be completed soon with a merger meeting. The seven-member committee, which is already in place to hold merger talks, will carry forward discussions,” he said.
Kumar said the merger of Janata parties was inevitable and LJD decided to move ahead by viewing it as coming together of parties on ideological grounds. He added that positions would not be an impediment to the merger of parties. Incumbent JD(S) state president and MLA Mathew T Thomas would continue in his post even after the merger. The posts of senior vice-president and state secretary general will be granted to LJD.
Also the posts of 14 district presidents will be shared equally between both parties with LJD set to get a majority of the district president positions in Malabar. The parliamentary board of JD(S) will be reconstituted by including members from LJD.
As per the agreement, the 72-member state committee of JD (S) will be expanded by including 72 members from LJD and the office-bearers will be divided equally.
Kumar said that though there were diverse opinions on the matter it was decided to move ahead unitedly by taking even those who had expressed their reservations on the matter. Sources said a section of LJD leaders, including ex-MLA MK Premnath, had expressed their reservations against the merger. After merger, JD(S) will get three legislators in the assembly.
