Kottayam: Johnny Nellore, the Deputy Chairman of Kerala Congress (Joseph faction), is reported to have tendered his resignation on Wednesday. The move came amidst reports of the BJP backing the formation of a new party in the Christian belts in the state. 
 
 For the past several months, BJP has been trying to reach out to the Christian communities in the state by holding talks with church leaders. There were reports that state BJP leaders attended several rounds of talks convened to discuss the launch of a new party.
 
 As per the reports, the new party is named 'National Progressive Party', with former MLA Johnny Nellore and MLAs Mathew Stephen and George G Mathew bearing the leadership roles. Joy Abraham will also join the party.
 
 Johnny Nellore announced his resignation to leave Kerala Congress (Joseph) during a press conference on Wednesday. At the same time, there are reports that Victor T Thomas, who recently resigned as UDF chairman in Pathanamthitta, will join NPP. It is reported that BJP has offered positions to attract leaders to the new party.