The Kerala unit of the Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)] officially merged with the Indian Socialist Janata Dal (ISJD) on Saturday. This step ends the conflict between Kerala leaders and the party's national head H.D. Deve Gowda, who wanted to ally with the BJP before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Mathew T. Thomas, MLA and Kerala JD(S) president, said the ISJD will remain an ally of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala. He said, "We will continue to oppose both the BJP and the Congress." Mr. Thomas will lead the ISJD. The merger was agreed upon by the Kerala JD(S) leaders. There were concerns that two MLAs, including Mr. Thomas and Minister K. Krishnankutty, would face disqualification under the anti-defection law. But Mr. Thomas clarified, "The anti-defection law exempts legislators if their original party merges with another, provided at least two-thirds of members approve." Former MLA Jose Thettayil also attended the meeting and supported the merger despite earlier reports of opposition. The JD(S)'s split between national ties with the BJP and local ties with the LDF caused confusion and conflicts. This merger seeks to clear that contradiction and solidify their position in Kerala politics.