Kerala   

Congress keeps a tight rein on Karunakaran party

Girish Menon

Muraleedharan, Ramesh Chennithala sign written agreement

Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress State leadership has succeeded in restricting the Democratic Indira Congress (Karunakaran) manoeuvres to a mere electoral understanding in 18 seats. The DIC(K) failed to achieve its target in terms of numbers and in getting accommodation as a partner in the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF).

The terms of understanding, confirmed through an unprecedented written agreement signed by Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Ramesh Chennithala and DIC (K) president K. Muraleedharan here on Friday, clearly spelt out the contours of the arrangement, stating that the DIC(K) would work for the victory of the UDF. "It has been agreed that only the UDF can provide a clean and stable Government for the benefit of Kerala. Issues of merger of the DIC with the Congress will be discussed and facilitated after the elections. It is felt that those having Congress culture should unite under the leadership of Ms. Gandhi in view of the above. It is agreed that the DIC will contest in 17 seats on their own symbol," the agreement, signed in a white paper, said.

The Indian Union Muslim League would release the Koduvally seat for Mr. Muraleedharan to contest to make up the 18th seat for the DIC. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who had taken a consistent position on accommodating the DIC, indicated that the DIC merger with the Congress was only a follow up of the Hyderabad AICC plenary session's call for unity of all Congressmen. Asked whether the people would accept the alliance, Mr. Chandy said that elections result would show this.

The agreement was signed only after senior leaders K. Karunakaran and A.K. Antony were informed separately of the terms and later signed in the presence of the Chief Minister. Mr. Antony said he was happy that members of the family had decided to come together.

Veerappa Moily said his mission in Kerala was over. "With Mr. Karunakaran's blessings, the UDF would win elections."

Mr. Karunakaran, Mr. Muraleedharan, Mr. Chandy and Mr. Chennithala, in their respective reactions, expressed happiness that the problem was resolved. But they could hardly conceal the widespread resentment among the rank and file of the respective parties. Mr. Karunakaran added a rider that he would wait and see how the situation develops.

The DIC(K) could wrest from the Congress only an assurance that it could contest on its "television" symbol. Besides retaining the seats vacated by nine MLAs, it had to be satisfied with marginal seats that do not have a tradition of returning Congress candidates. Mr. Karunakaran's all time favourite Chalakudy and Mala did not figure in the final list. This did cause some heartburn for the veteran leader, but in the hurry to patch an agreement, the DIC leaders had to underplay the issue.

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