KOCHI: P.C. Thomas, MP, has clarified that it was out of a tremendous sense of courtesy and political propriety that he had stated that the National Democratic Alliance was kept informed about the dissolution of the Indian Federal Democratic Party (IFDP). "There was no question of seeking [the] blessings of the BJP or the NDA," he said adding that he and his workers would now work to strengthen the Left Democratic Front in Kerala.

Talking to The Hindu here today, Mr. Thomas pointed out that BJP spokesperson Sushma Swaraj herself had stated that it was because of the Kerala conditions that the IFDP was leaving the NDA. He said that standing in different footings in Kerala would not help the growth of a strong regional party which wanted to better the lot of farmers and ordinary folk in Kerala. The Kerala Congress led by P.J. Joseph was recognised as the original Kerala Congress and his joining that party would only help to strengthen the KC, and like-minded people from other outfits of the regional party would be joining Mr. Joseph soon, he hoped.

Answering a question Mr. Thomas said there were several leaders in the Kerala Congress movement who had become inactive due to recent developments in the various factions of the original party. His latest move would help activate these leaders, he said.

He said that it was not true that he left the NDA with the blessings of the BJP. "As a political courtesy, when I decided to leave the front, I kept them informed about the developments and did not want to leave the front by hurling accusations," he said. Now that the IFDP has decided to dissolve itself and join the Kerala Congress led by P.J. Joseph, "none of us, including me, has any links with the BJP or with any other party in the NDA," Mr. Thomas said.

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