LJD merges with RJD at Kozhikode meeting

Kozhikode: Kerala-based Loktantrik Janata Dal merged with Lalu Prasad’s Rashtriya Janata Dal as Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav handed over the RJD flag to LJD state president MV Shreyams Kumar on Thursday.

The convention adopted a resolution declaring the merger of the two socialist parties. Thousands of party workers and supporters, carrying RJD flags, were present at the convention. The meeting also elected MV Shreyams Kumar as the party's state president.

Shreyams Kumar said it was a "well thought out decision" that took some time due to the past experiences of the party.

He said it was a unanimous decision of the LJD to merge with the RJD as it was not ready to compromise with communal forces in the country.

Shreyams Kumar said that the merger was not one which would be undone in future and they would be holding the RJD flag for generations to come.

He alleged that the BJP rules the country by making people and religions fight each other.

He said that the INDIA alliance aims to change this approach as democracy, the judiciary and every constitutional authority "is under threat".

Stating that Bihar has played a stellar role in Indian politics, Kumar praised the RJD for carrying out the caste-based survey in that state.

Yadav, expressing happiness with the merger, said that both the RJD and LJD "have fought the good fight for equality and social justice".

The Deputy CM of Bihar, addressing the thousands of LJD workers and supporters who were carrying RJD flags at the convention, said that his party laid the foundation for the INDIA alliance by inviting all the opposition political parties to a conference in Patna.

He said that historically, socialist parties were divided by ideological differences which led to factionalism and weakened their collective action. "The merger and unity like this can help bridge the divides, promote collaboration and prevent internal conflicts that might undermine the overall goals of socialism," Yadav said.

He said this unity of the two parties would help to present a more formidable and coherent position.

"Our merger and unity will help broaden the appeal of socialist ideas and policies. In today's India, we need it urgently," Yadav said.

Referring to the BJP rule at the Centre, Yadav said the country was facing multiple challenges and "the most important one was from fascism which is the true character of the Indian government".

He alleged the BJP had hijacked all constitutional authorities and agencies in the country and called upon everyone to resist and fight back.

Yadav said that the saffron party was worried over the caste-based survey carried out in Bihar after its results were released on October 2. "It (BJP) does not know how to deal with it," he said.

Yadav further said that together with the Chief Minister of Bihar "we shall write a new script for inclusive development while addressing the core concern of representation in proportion to the population".

After concluding his speech, Yadav handed over the RJD flag and membership to Kumar and other leaders of the LJD.

Prior to the event, Yadav said in a press conference that the merger between RJD and LJD would fortify the party's standing in southern India, conveying a robust message to socialist factions across the nation.

He also said the Congress is an alliance partner of the RJD in his state, Bihar, but the party will be with the CPI(M)-led LDF in Kerala.

With PTI inputs