With the JD (S) national executive meeting in Delhi resolving to continue the alliance with the CPM-led LDF government in Kerala, a formal split in the state unit of the party seems imminent. Party president H D Deva Gowda took the pro-CPM stand, disregarding the objections of the state president M P Veerendrakumar, whose faction has been engaged in a spat with the CPM. The CPM had denied JD(S) Kozhikode, its lone sitting seat in Kerala in the general election.

While JD (S) is the third largest ally of the LDF, the split, if it happens, is not likely to affect the front’s position in the state. Gowda would likely get the support of only two out of five party legislators, while a chunk of the party workers would remain with Veerendrakumar.

Gowda has decided to stay with the Left in Kerala even as his party is sitting with the UPA at the Centre. Gowda reportedly told Veerendrakumar that he could quit if he could not abide by the decision of the national executive.

Accusing Gowda of acting according to CPM strongman P Vijayan’s wishes, Veerendrakumar said in Delhi that the state executive would meet on July 12 to chart out the next step. He alleged that the national executive had taken a unilateral decision with regard to Kerala and added that he won’t return to the CPM camp.