Liberal Democratic Party (Mel-akkam)
Liberal Democratic Party | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Abbreviation | KKJ |
| Leader | Vyaparam Vedan |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Think tank | Growth Plan |
| Student wing | Liberal Students |
| Youth wing | Liberal Democratic Youth |
| Ideology | Social liberalism Factions: Classical liberalism Neoliberalism |
| Political position | Centre Factions: Centre-right |
| National affiliation | Progressive Democrats (2023-2024) |
| Regional affiliation | Janata Dal (historical) |
| International affiliation | Liberal International |
| Colours | Amber |
| Coordinating Council | 6 / 40
|
| Provincial Directors | 1 / 10
|
| Provincial Assemblies of Elders | 45 / 200
|
| Website | |
| libdems | |
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), (Dravidian: Kaksa Kani Jokyam; KKJ), often known as the LibDems, is a political party in Mel-akkam, adhering to liberal principles. Founded in 1992 amid a wave of post-Cold War neoliberalism, the KKJ was the first opposition party in Mel-akkam. It briefly led the government in early 2023 under Vyaparam Vedan before returning to the opposition; then rejoined the executive as a junior partner in the Am'mayi Government, but withdrew after the 2024 Vernal election.
Ideology
The LDP was often described as a centrist or centre-right party, holding economically liberal and fiscally conservative views alongside progressive cultural stances. Under the leadership of Vyaparam Vedan, the party has been described as embracing techno-populism and the "California Ideology"; however, in the run-up to the 2023 Autumnal Equinox Election, the party backtracked on some of its more fiscally conservative stances and expressed its willingness to work within the framework of Mel-akkam's socialist economy. After the 2024 Vernal election, in which the LDP lost both votes and seats, a split emerged within the party, between a right-leaning faction led by Vyaparam Vedan and a left-leaning faction led by Niyantra Ledu. After Ledu's victory in a 2024 leadership election as well as several policy referendums, the party was viewed as having shifted towards the centre and social liberalism.
Electoral Results
| Election | Votes | % | Seats | ± | Government |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Autumnal | 226,540,884 | 20.7 | 8 / 40
|
 5
|
Junior partner |
| 2024 Vernal | 148,490,033 | 14.9 | 6 / 40
|
 2
|
Independent |