Janata Parivar merger: Status quo to be maintained in Kerala

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With six constituents of the erstwhile Janata Party, collectively referred to as the "Janata Parivar", merging into a single entity on Wednesday, things have to be worked out in Kerala as the two members of the parivar are in rival fronts.

The Janata Dal (Secular), which has four legislators, is with the opposition Left Democratic Front, while the Janata Dal (United), with two MLAs, is with the Congress-led ruling United Democratic Front.

JD (U) leader Varghese George told the media here that following the merger, there was only one party now.

"But in Kerala for the moment status quo will be maintained as the two Janata parties here are in rival fronts. Now discussions will begin on how to go forward," he said.

Former minister and JD(S) legislative party leader Mathew T. Thomas told IANS that what happened in Delhi was just the first step.

"Now a lot of things have to fall in place at the national level... In Kerala also the two parties have their respective committees and they will meet to take forward today's decision," said Thomas.

The Oommen Chandy government having the support of 73 legislators in the 140-member Kerala assembly.

If the new party decides to be with the Left, then it would be trouble for the Chandy government as its majority would dwindle to just one seat. One seat is vacant.