NCP state unit asks party to reconsider support to BJP

Kochi: State unit of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which is opposed to the party's offer of unconditional outside support to BJP to form government in Maharashtra, appealed the party to reconsider the decision.

The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the state unit here tonight, as majority of the members were against the party warming up to the BJP, NCP state president Uzavoor Vijayan told reporters.

He said the state unit decided to ask the leadership to 'reconsider' the decision.

A resolution in this regard was also moved at the meeting which was held on "a positive" note, he said, adding "There was no ill-feeling". The state unit executive will meet next week, he said.

NCP, a partner of the Opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF), has two MLAs.

Thomas Chandy, MLA, had earlier said that the state unit cannot take a stand contrary to the party's decision and those who do not want to toe the party line, can leave.

Vijayan had earlier opined that he would rather quit if the party decides to support BJP in Maharashtra.

CPI-M veteran, V S Achuthanandan, also resented the NCP's decision and said a party which took a stand helpful to the BJP would not have a place in the LDF.