The Hindu : Kerala News : Sonia is my leader, but I will go my way: Karunakaran

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005

Kerala

Kerala

Sonia is my leader, but I will go my way: Karunakaran

By Our Special Correspondent

IN NO MOOD TO RELENT: The senior Congress leader K. Karunakaran during a press conference at his residence in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. Photo: S. Mahinsha

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, APRIL 12. The senior Congress leader K. Karunakaran today made it clear that he would go his own way even though he considered Sonia Gandhi as his leader.

Addressing a press conference at his residence in the aftermath of his son, K. Muraleedharan's expulsion from the party, Mr. Karunakaran said the Congress in Kerala was at a crucial phase in its history that could have a lasting impact. He said he would not take any hasty decisions on forming a new party, but would hold all-round consultations with his supporters.

He expressed regrets that he was not informed about the action against Mr. Muraleedharan either by Mrs. Gandhi or any other senior leader in Delhi. "I know they are targeting me, but no arrow can pierce me," he said.

Future course of action

Stating that the `I' group was a force to reckon with, Mr. Karunakaran said the faction would fight all attempts to suppress it using force, money, power and the communal card. He made it clear that he would be the final arbiter of the faction and would take all decisions regarding its future course of action. But this would be taken after discussions by taking the ordinary party workers into confidence. "We are prepared to face the consequences. We are not concerned about the impact of our decisions. One thing is certain, we will not allow the rival faction to do as they liked," he said.

He questioned the rationale of the disciplinary action initiated against Mr. Muraleedharan. He had demanded the conduct of organisational elections after withdrawing all disciplinary action against his supporters. But the party leadership had failed to even follow the basic rules for conducting organisational elections. Steps were not taken to publish the primary lists for the organisational elections and this was put off time and again, he said.

Mr. Karunakaran also decried attempts to create a division in his family. Referring to news reports about the dispute in his family over the course of action to be adopted, he said no one could divide his family members and they had the equanimity to face such criticism.

Differences

Asked whether it was not the differences between him and Mr. Muraleedharan that was the main problem in factional politics, Mr. Karunakaran shot back: "Yes, there are differences. But we discuss issues and take decisions in a democratic manner."

Mr. Karunakaran said that whatever decision his faction might take, it would be in such a way that the MLAs would not lose their jobs. Asked whether a new party would rise soon in Kerala politics, Mr. Karunakaran said a stronger Congress would emerge, one that would have more life in it. "It would be the real Congress," he said.

Asked whether he had come to a point where he would have to turn right or left, Mr. Karunakaran said he proposed to take the straight road ahead, but would not hesitate to seek support for his left and right hands.

At one point of time, Mr. Karunakaran said he would not hesitate to take the lead in mobilising his supporters. "I am fit enough for it," he said.

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