Party chief PC George said the general sentiments of party workers are in favour of joining the BJP.
PC George, a seven-time member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly and United Democratic Front (UDF) Chief Whip in the Oomen Chandy government, is in talks with the BJP for merger of his party, the Kerala Janapaksham (Secular).
George, on Tuesday, confirmed that his party was in talks with the BJP’s national leadership. Speaking to media persons in Kottayam, he said the general sentiments of his party workers are in favour of joining the BJP and that a decision in this regard would be made before the Lok Sabha polls.
“Our party members wish for this merger. If such a decision is taken, it won’t be a merger “as ours is a very small party and it would be like a small stream joining a river. India is fortunate to have one of the best prime ministers in its history. Party activists have opined that we should support him,” George said.
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When asked whether he would contest the Lok Sabha polls, if he joined the BJP, he said, “If the BJP asks me to contest, I will; if not, I won’t.”
It is learnt that PC George, Shone George and George Joseph Kakkanad will hold talks with the BJP national leaders in Delhi to finalise matters. BJP prabhari in Kerala Prakash Javadekar and union minister V Muraleedharan are likely to participate in the discussions.
PC George began his political career with Kerala Congress splinter groups led by KM Mani and PJ Joseph. He later, formed the parties Kerala Congress (Secular) and Kerala Janapaksham (Secular).
His relationship with the UDF ended in 2015 following disputes with Kerala Congress (M) leader K.M. Mani. He was elected to the Assembly in 2016 as an independent MLA from Poonjar constituency. However, he was defeated in the constituency by an LDF candidate in the2021 Assembly polls
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