LDF’s smaller allies in Kerala mull broader platform, keep merger open after assembly vote

NCP leader AK Saseendran

After the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) derailed in the 2026 assembly elections in Kerala, at least three of its smaller allies — the NCP faction led by former minister AK Saseendran, the Congress (Secular) and the Indian Socialist Janata Dal (ISJD) — are exploring forming a broader coalition before merging with the Left.

Mr. Saseendran, one of the leaders behind the initiative, said the idea first came up during a recent symposium attended by him and Congress (Secular) leader Kadannappally Ramachandran.

“At the symposium, I publicly raised the question: Do we really need to remain separate parties? I said that this is an issue that deserves serious investigation. The audience responded with loud applause, which I took as a signal that the idea was resonating. I later suggested to Mr. Ramachandran that it be discussed at the party level, and he agreed,” Mr. Saseendran told The Hindu.

He said the matter came up again at another public meeting earlier this week attended by himself, Mr. Ramachandran, senior ISJD leader K. Krishnankutty and CPI(M) leader and former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

“We are raising a political question: why should like-minded people with leftist political beliefs remain divided into several parties and create opportunities for others? Why should we not unite under one platform?” he asked.

All three parties won an empty seat in polls held in May 2026.

Detailed discussions

Mr. Saseendran said the immediate goal was to create a broader platform. “As for the merger, it is a decision that can only be taken after an extensive process involving detailed discussions within the parties and consultation with rank and file at all levels,” he said.

Mr. Saseendran was among the leaders, along with former Kuttanad MLA Thomas K. Thomas and others, who decided to sever ties with the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) (NCP(SP)) central leadership in May 2026 and form a new entity. The outfit is currently known as NCP (Secular) (NCP (S)). He said that he would submit a proposal for a broader platform of like-minded parties to the NKM (S) general meeting on July 11, which should also adopt the party’s formal name.

Echoing the suggestion, Mr. Krishnankutty said such a broader platform was the need of the hour. “The ISJD has already discussed the matter in the party committee and decided to move forward with it,” he said.

Mr. Ramachandran, meanwhile, said the idea “came naturally and deserves attention, especially in the context of the current political situation” in the country. “Further negotiations are needed,” he added.

Published – 1 Jul 2026 13:12 IST