Kerala unit of JD(S) rejects national leadership's decision to join NDA
Kochi (PTI): The Kerala unit of the Janata Dal (Secular), an ally of the ruling Left in the state, on Friday rejected the national leadership's decision to join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), saying it was contrary to the political resolution adopted by the party's national plenum.
The JD(S) state unit also claimed that party supremo H D Deve Gowda's decision was not endorsed by its entire national leadership.
"The entire party leadership did not endorse the decision to align with the NDA. The decision to join the NDA fold was solely made by National President Deve Gowda and his son former Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy.
"This decision was taken by deviating from the political resolution adopted by the national plenum of the party," President of the JD(S) Kerala unit and MLA Mathew T Thomas said.
He was talking to reporters after the party leadership's meeting here.
Thomas said the state unit stands by the resolution adopted by it on October 7, opposing the national leadership's decision. Neither the national executive committee nor the national committee have officially sanctioned such a move, Thomas, who is also a former Kerala minister, said.
Strongly criticising Deve Gowda, he said that by opposing the approved political resolution, he effectively rendered himself a "non-national president" of the party.
Highlighting the ideological rift, Thomas pointed out that the BJP and its allies remain political adversaries of the JD(S), and reinforced the Kerala unit's commitment to the party's original principles.
He also noted that several state units across the country are in dissent against the central leadership's decision, signalling a broader discord within the party.
"We are witnessing similar movements in various state units, including Kerala," Thomas added.
He also clarified that the party's state unit is not facing any issues from the ruling Left in Kerala, underscoring that their stance is independent of any external pressures.
The CPI(M) had defended retaining Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty of the JD(S) in the state. The party had said there was no need to remove Krishnankutty from the Kerala cabinet as the state unit of the JD(S) has clarified that they "stand strong" with the Left front.
On October 7, the Kerala unit of the JD(S) had declared that it would continue to remain with the Left Democratic Front (LDF), rejecting the party leadership's decision to join the NDA.
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Gehlot changes profile pic to 'Save Aravalli', asks Centre to reconsider definition
Jaipur (PTI): Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Thursday urged the Centre to reconsider its definition of the Aravallis, warning that any damage to the mountain range posed a serious threat to the ecological future of north India.
Gehlot, a former Rajasthan chief minister, changed his social media profile picture in support of the nationwide 'SaveAravalli' campaign amid growing debate over mining and environmental safeguards in the Aravalli Range.
It was his symbolic protest against the new interpretation under which hills lower than 100 metres are no longer being recognised as part of the Aravalli system, he said.
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"The Aravalli cannot be judged by tape measures or height alone. It must be assessed by its ecological importance," Gehlot said, adding that the revised definition raised "a big question" over the future of north India.
Appealing to the Centre and the Supreme Court, Gehlot said the issue must be reconsidered in the interest of future generations and environmental security. He also urged citizens to participate in the campaign by changing their display pictures online to draw attention to the issue.
He said the Aravalli range functioned as a natural green wall against the expansion of the Thar desert and extreme heatwaves, protecting Delhi, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh. Opening up smaller hills and so-called gap areas for mining would allow desertification to advance rapidly, he warned.
Gehlot also flagged concerns over air pollution, saying the hills and forests of the Aravallis acted as the "lungs" of the National Capital Region by checking dust storms and absorbing pollutants.
"When pollution levels are so alarming even with the Aravalli standing, one can imagine how disastrous the situation will be without it," he said.
Highlighting the water crisis, the former chief minister said the rocky terrain of the Aravallis played a crucial role in groundwater recharge by channelising rainwater underground.
"If the hills are destroyed, drinking water shortages will intensify, wildlife will disappear and the entire ecology will be pushed into danger," he said.
Gehlot argued that, from a scientific perspective, the Aravallis was a continuous chain and that even smaller hillocks were as vital as higher peaks.
