Kerala: NCP Splits From Ruling LDF, Joins Congress-led UDF

Kerala's ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) endured a massive setback as a faction of constituent Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) decided to align with the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) on February 13. Departing faction's head Mani C Kappen has vowed the support of seven district presidents and nine state office-bearers of NCP. Reportedly, LDF's decision to accord Pala Assembly seat to Jose K Mani's Kerala Congress (M) provoked the switch.