"Kerala unit of JD(S) stands firm with left front": T Thomas 'rejects' decision to join NDA

Kochi: The Kerala unit of Janata Dal (Secular) on Saturday has announced that it will not join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.
JD(S) Kerala president Mathew T Thomas on Saturday said that the national leadership's decision to join the NDA was 'arbitrary' in nature.

After the state committee meeting held here on Saturday, T Thomas also said the high command made the announcement without discussion in any party forum.
After a state committee meeting, Thomas made it clear that the JD(S) Kerala unit will remain firmly aligned with the left front.
"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," T Thomas said.
The JD(S) had on September 22 formally joined hands with the BJP-led NDA ahead of the next general elections.

Former CM HD Kumaraswamy announced the tie-up after meeting Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda in the national capital.
Following the announcement, JD(S) state vice president, Syed Shafiulla Saheb and other leaders including M Srikanth and UT Ayesha Farzana resigned from the party, signalling discontent among minority leaders in the party.