THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Keeping in mind the 2019 general elections, the Left Front is all set to go for an expansion. A few political parties - INL, JD (U), KC(B) and Democratic Kerala Congress - are the possible entrants. Of which, INL which has a long truck with the Left Front, is the front-runner.
The LDF meet on July 26 is expected to take a call on Left Front expansion. The CPM state leadership meets which concluded here on Saturday have made up its mind on expanding the Left Front ahead of the polls. “Expanding and strengthening the LDF is essential ahead of the election.
However one party cannot take a call. If anyone opposes the move in the LDF meet, the matter would be postponed,” pointed out sources.
The LDF meet on Thursday will discuss the details of front expansion. Many senior CPM leaders feel that the Indian National League (INL), which has been associating with the Left Front for more than two decades, should be inducted into the front.
The INL which has been associating with the LDF since its inception is the front-runner. Senior leaders in the LDF feel the INL should be given the first preference considering its long loyalty to the front. “However in the current political scenario where the SDPI issue has been in the air, the Left Front will have to look at all aspects,” said a senior CPI leader.
The Janata Dal (United) which recently moved to the Left from the UDF is also being considered. The stance taken by the JD(S) will be crucial in this regard.
Though the issue had come up for discussion earlier, it was postponed owing to certain differences. Similarly the Kerala Congress (B) has been associating with the Left Front for some time now and wants to join the LDF.
A couple of other Kerala Congress factions, including the Democratic Kerala Congress and Kerala Congress Scaria Thomas faction too are associating with the Left since the last Assembly polls.
Similarly the Kovoor Kunjumon-led RSP (Leninist) has been looking upto the front for a possible entry. Meanwhile the Left leaning CMP, with a lone MLA, is also waiting for the berth.
There have been rumours that the LDF is likely to get one more MLA through PC George if a possible merger of Left-leaning Kerala Congress factions becomes a reality.
As per reports, the lone independent MLA in the house P C George may join the coalition and may get a Cabinet rank. However, George rubbished these reports. In case there’s a merger, it would be part of a strategy to strengthen the Left in Central Kerala. “We cannot rule out such a possibility. If there’s a merger, the Left may consider taking them,” said a leader.