We are the real JD(S), says Kerala unit president Mathew T Thomas

Kochi: The Kerala unit of Janata Dal (Secular) had reiterated that they won't agree with the decision of their counterpart in Karnataka to join the BJP-led NDA Alliance. 

Addressing the media on Friday, JD(S) state president Mathew T. Thomas remarked that only a few leaders in the national leadership have joined hands with the BJP. He also criticized former Prime Minister and JD(S) supremo H. D. Deve Gowda for allying with BJP. 

Earlier today, JD(S) held a meeting in Kochi to take a stand on the issue. Following this, leaders announced they won't support the decision taken by JD(S) in Karnataka. 

"The national leadership did not make the decision to join the NDA. Neither the National Executive Committee nor the National Council had made such a decision. Deve Gowda and H.D. Kumaraswamy made the choice unilaterally. We notified the national leadership that we disagreed with their decision," Mathew T. Thomas said. He went on to say that some leaders have made decisions that do not align with a stand taken by the National Plenum.

"Deve Gowda has ceased to exist as national president as a result of his opposition to the national plenum. The Kerala unit adhered to the party's political stand, hence we are the real JD(S)," he stated.