The Kerala unit of the BJP, which is desperate to expand the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) by attracting to its fold some of the disgruntled allies in the major fronts, has reportedly offered JSS leader K.R. Gouri Amma plum positions including the governor’s post.
The State leadership informed her that if she agreed to join the NDA, the JSS would be treated on par with the other allies in the front. If she is willing to consider the offers, she has been told to arrange a time and place to meet the saffron party’s State and central leaders at her convenience, said sources close to the veteran leader.
However, alliance talks between the JSS and the NDA have not made any progress so far due to Gouri Amma’s half-hearted approach in forging a tie-up with the BJP-led front.
She informed the negotiator that the post of governor had been offered to her in the past as well and she was least interested in the proposal.
Though her party has not changed its decision to contest the assembly election independently, Gouri Amma is wary of a possible split in the party if she disregarded the majority opinion.
The CPM leadership, which distanced itself from Gouri Amma following the stalemate over merger with the nonagenarian leader. The CPM top brass led by party State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan came calling at her residence the other day. Reportedly, he has assured her of a fair deal.
A majority of the members attended the recent JSS State Centre meeting had urged the leadership to reassess the move to contest assembly elections independently. The pressure tactics used by the LDF and her own party leaders have plunged Gouri Amma, one of the senior-most living political leaders in the State, in a deep dilemma.
Meanwhile, the Congress leadership has also expressed its keenness to hold discussions to persuade her to return to the UDF camp.
(This article was originally published on Onmanorama.com)
