The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : `Alliance only if DIC(K) promises support after poll'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Mar 23, 2006

Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

`Alliance only if DIC(K) promises support after poll'

Special Correspondent

Imperative for the smooth functioning of the Ministry: Chandy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress will have an electoral understanding with the Democratic Indira Congress (Karunakaran) only if that party promised to continue support even after the elections, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has said.

The party is apprehensive that DIC(K) leader K. Karunakaran's support could not be taken for granted for formation of a ministry and its smooth functioning if the UDF wins.

This would be a dampener for continuing talks between Congress Working Committee member Veerappa Moily and DIC(K). The talks scheduled for Thursday may not even take place.

"We are being cautious considering past record (of Mr. Karunakaran) ranging from fielding of rebel candidate to (marshalling of) resignation of nine members of the Assembly. We do not wish a repeat of such circumstances," the Chief Minister said.

"Victory is important. But victory alone is not sufficient. There should be an atmosphere conducive to working for the benefit of the people," Mr. Chandy said.

Mr. Chandy said that any understanding between the Congress and Mr. Karunakaran's party, who had taken opposing views, should be convincing to the people also.

"Though we had fought the Lok Sabha elections unitedly, the people did not approve of that," he said.

Mr. Chandy said that the United Democratic Front had not considered induction of any new party into the front. When UDF constituents felt that the front votes should not get divided on account of DIC(K), the Congress created the atmosphere for talks.

This was because the Congress respected their opinion, he said.

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