Smaller LDF allies in Kerala mull broader platform, keep merger option open after Assembly poll rout

Published 1 July 2026 · politics

Following the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF)’s drubbing in the 2026 Assembly elections in Kerala, at least three of its smaller allies – the NCP

Following the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF)’s drubbing in the 2026 Assembly elections in Kerala, at least three of its smaller allies – the NCP faction led by former Minister A.K. Saseendran, the Congress (Secular) and the Indian Socialist Janata Dal (ISJD) – are exploring the formation of a broader platform ahead of a possible merger, while remaining part of the Left coalition. Saseendran, one of the leaders behind the initiative, said the idea first emerged during a recent symposium attended by him and Congress (Secular) leader Kadannappally Ramachandran. “At the symposium, I publicly raised a question: Do we really need to remain separate parties? I said it was an issue that deserved serious examination.

The audience responded with loud applause, which I took as a signal that the idea resonated. I later suggested to Mr. Ramachandran that it should be discussed at the party levels, and he agreed,” Mr. Saseendran told The Hindu. He said the matter resurfaced at another public meeting earlier this week, attended by him, 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 Left political convictions remain divided into multiple parties, creating opportunities for others to benefit? Why shouldn’t we come together under one platform?” he asked. All three parties drew a blank in the polls held in May 2026.

Detailed discussions Saseendran said the immediate objective was to create a broader platform. “As for a merger, that is a decision that can be taken only after an extensive process involving detailed discussions within the parties and consultations with the rank and file at every level,” he said. Saseendran was among the leaders, along with former Kuttanad MLA Thomas K. Thomas and others, who decided in May 2026 to sever ties with the central leadership of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) [NCP(SP)] and form a new outfit. The outfit is currently known as the NCP (Secular) [NCP (S)]. He said he would place the proposal for a broader platform of like-minded parties before the general body meeting of the NCP (S) on July 11, which is also expected to adopt a formal name for the party.

Echoing the proposal, Mr. Krishnankutty said such a broader platform was the need of the hour. “The ISJD has already discussed the matter within the party committee and decided to move forward with it,” he said. Ramachandran, meanwhile, said the idea had “emerged naturally and deserved consideration, particularly in the context of the current political situation” in the country. “Further discussions are needed,” he added.