At last, INL into LDF

Thiruvananthapuram: After a long wait of 24 years, Indian National League (INL) will be admitted to Left Democratic Front in Kerala shortly. CPM state secretariat has approved the proposal to admit INL into the coalition.

It is learned that CPI also will endorse the move when the subject is discussed in LDF. INL state leaders hold the view that INL is to be considered as the first party if the coalition is expanded. Hence, there are only formal steps left for INL's inclusion.

INL will be made an ally along with inclusion of MP Veerendrakumar's Lok Tantrik Janata Dal into the coalition.

CPM took the favourable step towards INL at the secretariat meeting held last month. The meeting had also decided broadening the popular base of the coalition after Chengannur bypoll. CPI had already evaluated INL as a secular party.

INL was formed on 23rd April 1994 after a heated debate in Muslim League following of the demolition of Babri Masjid. The new party was formed under the leadership of Ibrahim Sulaiman Sait, who was All India President of Muslim League, and after the state leaders of Muslim League rejected the call of the All India president to break up with Congress.

The constitution and symbol of INL were designed as per the instruction CPM national leadership. Harkishan Singh Surjit, the then general secretary of the party, played an important role in this regard. INL had supported LDF in Guravayur legislative assembly elections that was held shortly after the party formation and has continued offering itsunconditional support to the alliance so far.

In 2010, a faction of the party argued for supporting theUDF in the elections held to local self government bodies. Though in the process a small faction switched back to the mother organization of Muslim League, the leadership rejected the argument and decided to continue with support to LDF.