At the center of a possible realignment of the opposition camp, former Your Party Secretary-General Kenji Eda managed to gather some 50 Diet lawmakers Tuesday when he launched a policy study group expected to lead to a new party.
Eda resigned from Your Party Monday — along with 13 fellow lawmakers — after his relationship with party leader Yoshimi Watanabe soured over the direction of the small opposition party.
Party executives rejected Eda's resignation, and will try to persuade the other 13 to stay as well. But it's unlikely the renegade lawmakers will change their minds, party sources said.