RSP legislator quits UDF, to join Left

Kerala's ruling coalition on Thursday suffered a blow when RSP's Kovoor Kunjumon quit the legislature, saying he was disgusted with the UDF government, and vowed to join the Left.

The Revolutionary Socialist Party, a UDF member, has three legislators. With Kunjumon resigning, the strength of the assembly has come down to 138 and Chief Minister Oommen Chandy now has the support of 72 legislators.

The Left, led by the CPI-M, commands 66 legislators in the 140-seat house.

Kunjumon, who has represented Kunnathur constituency in Kollam district since 2001, said he and his fellow RSP workers were fed up with the corruption cases plaguing the government.

He said he had submitted his resignation to Speaker N. Sakthan.

"The RSP has been always with the marginalized and downtrodden, the working class, especially those who work in cashew factories," a visibly upset Kunjumon said.

"For seven months, I am unable to show my face to cashew factory workers as all the factories are closed.

"Others may not know their feelings, but I know it because I am the son of a cashew factory worker. Along with our supporters, we will form the real RSP and will align with the Left," he said.

Kunjumon was elected to the Kerala assembly in 2001, 2006 and 2011 when his party was with the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

Ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Kunjumon and present RSP state secretary A.A. Azeez deserted the LDF and merged their RSP with the RSP(B) of Labour Minister Shibhu Baby John, a Congress ally.

CPI-M state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan welcomed Kunjumon's decision.

"We will certainly allow Kunjumon to be associated with the LDF. This clearly shows that the UDF is in trouble," he said.