SJD-JD(U) merger convention on December 28

THRISSUR: A convention on merger of Socialist Janata (Democratic), headed by former Union Minister M P Veerendra Kumar and a constituent of ruling Congress-led UDF in Kerala, and Janata Dal (United) will be held here on December 28, SJD leader M V Shreyams Kumar said today.

Veerendra Kumar would preside over the convention while JD(U) national President Sharad Yadav would inaugurate it, Kumar said.

Former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar would deliver the keynote address, he added.

SJD has two MLAs -- K P Mohanan, who is the Agriculture Minister and Shreyams Kumar, son of Veerendra Kumar -- in the 140-member assembly.

Announcing the merger decision in New Delhi in September last, Yadav and Veerendra Kumar had said they have come together to strengthen "secular democratic forces" as they feel that there is a need to create a platform for this.

Veerendra Kumar was in Janata Dal (Secular) headed by former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda from 1999 to 2010, when Janata Dal had broken into many factions after some of its leaders decided to join hands with BJP-led NDA at the Centre.

He parted ways with the JD(S) and formed the SJD on August 7, 2010.