Kerala assembly election: PC Thomas-led Kerala Congress quits NDA, to merge with Joseph faction
Kochi, Mar 17: The Kerala Congressheaded by former Union Minister PC Thomas on Wednesday quitthe NDA alleging that his party was neglected by the BJP-led alliance when theseats were allocated for the April 6 polls.
The faction led by Thomas would merge with the Kerala Congress headed by senior leader P J Joseph, which is a constituent of the Congress-led UDF. Thomas was elected as MP in NDA ticket from then Muvattupuzha seat in 2004 Lok Sabha polls.
Kerala elections 2021: Discontent in Kerala Congress over selection of candidates
The Kerala Congress leader, who was a minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government, said his party was given four seats in the 2016 Assembly polls but not a single seat was allocated this time.
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Thomas said the BJP leadership had offered him Pala assembly seat but he did not opt for it due to some personal reasons. The Joseph -led Kerala Congress said both the parties will merge today. It said Thomas has agreed to accept P J Joseph as the party's chairman and leader.