The Hindu : Antony's remark will not harm party's prospects: Murali

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Feb 23, 2004

Kerala

Kerala

Antony's remark will not harm party's prospects: Murali

By Our Staff Reporter

THRISSUR, FEB. 22 . The Electricity Minister, K. Muraleedharan, today said that the remarks of the Chief Minister, A.K. Antony, against the minorities would not affect the prospects of the Congress in the Lok Sabha elections.

Mr. Muraleedharan told reporters at Wadakkanchery, near here, that the people of the State looked forward to the victory of the Congress.

Asked if Wadakkanchery was a "safe seat" for him for the Assembly bypoll, Mr. Muraleedharan said the Congress had won there since 1977. "Even when group politics in the Congress was at its worst, the party had won at Wadakkanchery," he said.

The Electricity Minister said that if he wins, he would continue the development activities launched by his predecessors. "New schemes will also be implemented."

Asked whether he faced a disadvantage, as his rival was a local resident, Mr. Muraleedharan said he did not feel so.

"It is a political fight. This is all I can say. Never in my political career have I launched personal campaigns against my opponents," he said.

Mr. Muraleedharan countered the criticism that a bypoll was being imposed on the Wadakkanchery voters in order to solve problems in the Congress. "The voters will face no problem as the bypoll will coincide with the Lok Sabha elections."

The Minister visited the Rudhiramahakalikavu temple at Wadakkanchery and listened to the percussion ensemble, led by Peruvanam Kuttan Marar, held as part of the Uthralikkavu Pooram celebrations.

The visit seemed to kick off Mr. Muralidharan's campaign in the constituency.

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