JD(S) to be relaunched as ISJD on January 17

The Indian Socialist Janata Dal (ISJD), a new political organisation formed to stabilise the Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)]in the State, will be officially launched on January 17.

A conference scheduled to be held in Kochi on that day will formally announce the party. The move aims to provide a clear political identity for the JD(S), which faced uncertainty after its national leadership aligned with the BJP in Karnataka while the Kerala unit continued its association with the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

JD(S) State president Mathew T. Thomas said he would announce the details of his party’s relaunch in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. He will continue to serve as president of the newly formed ISJD. The new party will have a new flag and electoral symbol. The party is seeking wheel as its symbol.

Leaders of the Janata Dal (S) said that the new party would remain committed to the socialist principles championed by Ram Manohar Lohia and Jayaprakash Narayan.

Expressing concern over the growing departure from socialist values in contemporary politics, party leader and Minister for Power K. Krishnankutty said the aim was to uphold and preserve those ideals. He said the new party would continue to remain within the LDF.

The J(S)’s continued association with the LDF and its participation in the Kerala government had become an embarrassment for the LDF, particularly in light of the party’s national leadership being aligned with the BJP. The contradiction also triggered internal conflicts within the JD(S) over its dual political stance.

The State unit found itself in a difficult position, unable either to repudiate the central leadership or to align with it. The formation of the new party was intended to resolve this moral and political dilemma.

Although the decision to merge the JD(S) with the new outfit had been finalised ahead of the local body elections, party leaders opted to wait until the conclusion of the civic polls before making the move official.

The ISJD has reportedly received approval from the Election Commission. The JD(S), which has two MLAs, including Mr. Krishnankutty, will see both legislators formally join the new party.