Kerala MLAs clash on NCP-BJP move

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The NCP decision to extend unconditional outside support to the BJP to form a government in Maharashtra has divided the state leadership with the party  convening its working committee meeting in Ernakulam on Tuesday to discuss the issue.

The NCP is part of the Opposition LDF in the state and any decision endorsing the Maharashtra line would mean  supporting the BJP. 

NCP legislature party leader A.K. Saseendran opposed the stand while MLA Thomas Chandy supported the decision aimed at keeping the Shiv Sena out of power, saying those opposing Sharad Pawar’s decision had no other option but to leave the party..   

When contacted,  Mr Saseendran told DC,  “We are meeting in Ernakulam tomorrow to discuss the issue. As of now, the state unit has not taken any stand on the decision to extend support to the BJP in Maharashtra. Though leaders have reacted to the development at individual level,  it is only their personal opinion,’’ he added.

Mr Saseendran is one of the top leaders in the state who has conveyed his opposition to the central leadership against the opportunistic decision.  

NCP state president Uzhavoor Vijayan has said that he would quit if the party went ahead with its decision to support BJP in Maharasthra.

Meanwhile the LDF leadership wants the NCP to discuss the matter in its party committee and finalise their decision.