JD(S) unit in Kerala to oust Gowda, contacts leaders of other states 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala unit of Janata Dal (Secular), which found itself on the defensive following the JD(S) -BJP alliance in Karnataka, has intensified its efforts to resolve the problem. The JD(S) Kerala unit is trying to take a proper political stand by bringing together anti-BJP leaders from other state units.

JD(S) Kerala leaders Neelalohithadasan Nadar, Jose Thettayil and CK Nanu contacted the leaders of other states. They are demanding that either an anti-BJP party should be formed or Deve Gowda and his son must be expelled from the party after announcing that they are the real JD(S). The party plenum had taken a stand that an anti-BJP political stance should be adopted.

Deve Gowda's controversial revelation that the JD(S)-BJP alliance in Karnataka had the approval of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the state unit of the JD(S) had created confusion. Although Gowda later withdrew his statement, the state unit of JD(S) is making the move to undo the damage caused by the statement. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had strongly criticized Deve Gowda and extended support to the JD(S) Kerala unit. With Gowda withdrawing the controversial statement, the CPM has also received temporary relief. CPM State Secretary MV Govindan and LDF Convenor EP Jayarajan yesterday declared full support to JD(S).