NCP's Kerala unit to remain with LDF

NCP Kerala unit, which is divided over the party's decision to extend crucial outside support to the BJP government in Maharashtra, today said it will continue to remain with the CPI(M)-led Left Front in the state.
The decision in this regard was taken at an executive meeting here which saw rival groups coming to blows.
Talking to reporters after the heated meeting, NCP State President Uzhavoor Vijayan said in today's executive meeting "we have decided to remain with LDF. We will continue with secular parties".
A faction of the NCP led by MLA Thomas Chandy is against the unit's decision to remain with LDF. Chandy did not attend the meeting as he is outside the country.

Heated discussions were on since the meeting began with the pro-Pawar faction wanting the state unit to back the national leadership's decision to support the BJP government in Maharashtra while some others were against the move, saying they were a secular party and did not want to spoil it.
The state unit, which met here last month, had decided to ask the leadership to reconsider its decision to support BJP in Maharashtra.

NCP, a minor partner of the Opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF), has two MLAs.
Thomas Chandy had earlier said the state unit cannot take a stand contrary to the party's decision and those who do not want to toe the party line can leave.

Uzhavoor Vijayan had said that he would rather quit if the party decides to support BJP in Maharashtra.
CPI(M) veteran V S Achuthanandan had also resented NCP's decision and said a party which took a stand helpful to the BJP would not have a place in the LDF.