K.R. Gouri, leader of the Janathipathya Samrakshana Samithi (JSS), a constituent of the United Democratic Front (UDF), has said the proposed merger of the Kerala Congress (J) and the Kerala Congress (M) was an internal affair of the Kerala Congress and that there is no need to discuss the issue within the UDF at this juncture.
Addressing a press conference here on Monday, Ms. Gouri said each party had the right to decide who should become its member. When the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) faction led by A.V. Thamarakshan merged with the JSS, there was no discussion within the UDF and the UDF had not demanded a discussion on the merger. The situation was no different now, and since all constituent parties in the UDF were on an equal plane, there was no need for discrimination against one particular party, she said.
However, discussions could be conducted when it came to seat sharing prior to any election, she said, adding that she believed that there were no serious allegations against P.J. Joseph at present.
Earlier, Ms. Gouri said the fifth State conference of the JSS would be held at Alappuzha from May 5 to May 8. There would be a public meeting at the Municipal Grounds from 4 p.m. on Wednesday, and the delegates' sessions would be held at the Aiswariya Auditorium from Thursday.
