Johnny Nellore quits Kerala Congress, new party with former MLAs by support of BJP

KOTTAYAM: Johnny Nellore, vice chairman of Kerala Congress Joseph faction, has quit the party. There are reports that a new party is being formed under the leadership of Johny Nellore with the support of BJP in the state by mobilizing former MLAs.

He clarified that he will not join any other party and will form a secular national party. The constituent parties are not getting recognition from the UDF, blamed Nellore. 'What is coming is not a Christian party. People from all communities will be there. A political party with national outlook will be formed. One should work without any special affection towards anyone. We do not intend to be an alternative to anyone,' added Nellore.

The name of the new party is Nationalist Progressive Party (NPP). It has not been announced officially. The move for the formation of a new party was going on for some time. Taking into account the present political situation, the Nationalist Progressive Party will make an official announcement.

Apart from Johnny Nellore, Mathew Stephen and George J Mathew will be at the helm of NPP. Victor T Thomas, who resigned from Pathanamthitta UDF chairman post, will also be in the party. Johnny Nellore was the vice chairman of Kerala Congress Joseph faction.