Former LJD leaders ‘defect’ to CPI(M)

The Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD), a Left Democratic Front (LDF) ally, appeared diminished on Monday with three former State-level leaders ‘defecting’ to the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)].

The Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD), a Left Democratic Front (LDF) ally, appeared diminished on Monday with three former State-level leaders ‘defecting’ to the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)].

They are ex-LJD State secretary (organisation) Sheikh P. Harris and one-time State secretaries V. Rajesh Prem and Ankathil Ajayakumar. The LJD had expelled them from the party after they fell out with State president M.V. Shreyams Kumar, MP.

Mr. Harris said the trio would ‘work in tandem’ with the CPI(M). LJD State general secretary V. Surendran Pillai would join the CPI(M) fold. Mr. Harris said the defections from the LJD would soon become an exodus. He claimed to have the support of at least one ex-LJD district president, seven elected local body officials, and 25 serving State committee members. “They will follow us into the CPI(M),” he said.