KOZHIKODE: The Lok Tantric Janata Dal (LJD), which is part of the Left Front in Kerala, on Thursday merged with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). RJD leader and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav made the announcement by handing over the party flag to LJD state president MV Shreyams Kumar at the merger convention held in Kozhikode.

Thousands of activists gathered in the ceremony and audience. Inaugurating the merger convention, Tejashwi Yadav said that the BJP is afraid of caste census.

"RJD is with LDF in Kerala. There is no ambiguity about it. I am happy to be back in Kerala. We had thought of joining like-minded parties. We were very happy when LJD showed interest. Fascist forces are trying to destroy the Constitution. It's time for everyone to come together. Together, we will face the BJP and other fascist forces. INDIA Front will make gains in the Lok Sabha elections," Tejashwi Yadav said.

"A caste census should be conducted. The caste census will help to understand the social condition of the people. However, even the census is not taking place in India. BJP is afraid of caste census. This is not election campaigning. We had already raised the issue. We had met the Prime Minister in person and requested him to conduct the caste census earlier," Tejashwi said.

LJD state president MV Shreyams Kumar presided over the function.