Gowda's decision to support NDA becomes a hurdle to Janata Dal merging

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The merging of Janata Dal groups in Kerala became uncertain as JDS national leadership has decided to support NDA in Vice Presidential election like they did in Presidential election. It is assessed that national President H D Deve Gowda's goal is to be part of NDA front.

If Janata Dal(S) and Loktantrik Janata Dal merges, then the party will have three MLAs in Kerala and can become a fourth force in Left front. But the decision of national leadership to support NDA in Presidential election has changed the equation. LJD withdrew from their decision. JDS state wing also informed their disgreement in supporting BJP. But now, Gowda again supports NDA in Vice Presidential election.

The only option left before the state wing is to leave the party. But it might cause several problems. In the beginning, Janata Dal was part of UDF front and then switched to LDF front. Krishnan Kutty of JDS became miniser.

Meanwhile, the LJD was disbanded at the All India level and merged with the Rashtriya Janata Dal. The party LJD no longer exists. Some within the party is dissatisfied in LDF front and majority thinks that leaving LDF is suicidal.