JD(S) entry splits LDF,meet abandoned

The uncertainty in the state unit of Janata Dal(S) has cast a shadow over the Left Democratic Front in Kerala.

The uncertainty in the state unit of Janata Dal(S) has cast a shadow over the Left Democratic Front in Kerala. The ruling LDF is still at a loss on what to do with the ally JD(S)now two factions,one led by H D Deve Gowda at the national level and another led by state president M P Veerendrakumar.

A meeting of the LDF slated for Friday had to be abandoned after other allies protested against the CPM decision to invite the Gowda faction of the JD(S) to the meeting. The official version was that the LDF meeting had to be abandoned due to the unavailability of some constituents. However,sources said the JD(S) issue had led to the cancellation of the meeting,the first after the general elections.

As the JD(S) faction led by Veerendrakumar had walked out of the LDF in protest against the denial of its sitting seat,the CPM official faction had invited the rebel group,supported by Gowda,for the meeting. Accordingly,LDF convener Vaikkom Vishwan invited JD(S) leader M N Joseph for Fridays meeting of the Left co-ordination committee. Gowda had earlier informed the LDF leadership that his party was still with the Left in Kerala.

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However,sources said,what spoiled the CPM official factions bid to give backdoor entry for Gowda faction was the intervention of the CPI and Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan. The CPI pointed out the folly of inviting the Gowda faction to the LDF against the backdrop of the support the JD(S) leader had given to the UPA government at the Centre. Sources said the CPI national leadership too has expressed its displeasure over taking along the Gowda faction when that party stays with the UPA at the Centre. As the CPI resorted to a tough stand,the CPM leaders were forced to abandon Fridays meeting.

Going by the indications,the JD(S) crisis would continue to haunt the LDF for some time. As Gowda and Veerendrakumar claim their respective factions to be the real JD(S),the CPM is also confused. Meanwhile,JD(S)s Cabinet berth has been remaining vacant due to the crisis.