Tug of war for positions: Uncertainty over LJD-JDS merger

KOZHIKODE: The JDS-LJD merger is getting extended indefinitely due to confusion over the division of positions. As things are progressing with leaders of both sides unable to sit around a table, the LJD state secretariat will meet in Kozhikode on October 27. The agenda is to either speed up the merger or continue in the LDF alone as before. It is reported that JDS National Executive will also convene on October 28.

After the meeting of both parties, it will become clear whether they will decide to go ahead as a single party. If the merger becomes a reality, Kerala will have a Socialist party with three MLAs. When the two parties decided to merge, the LJD demanded that Shreyams Kumar should get the post of state president. However, the LJD had to give in to the counter-argument of JDS that LJD is the one merging with the JDS and it could ask for anything except the president post. Thus it was decided that JDS President Mathew T Thomas MLA will remain as party president. Along with the current 72-member state committee of the JDS, 72 LJD members will be included, taking the total to 144. Shreyams Kumar was also offered the post of All India General Secretary. At the same time, senior leaders of both parties are of the position that their positions cannot be transferred.