THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Democratic Indira Congress (Karunakaran) president K. Muraleedharan on Tuesday sought to put the record straight by categorically stating that it was the prerogative of the Congress to lead the Government. The Congress high command would choose a person to head it, he added.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr. Muraleedharan said even though the opinions of the constituents were taken into account, the party high command had the prerogative to decide on the Chief Minister. "Even Mr. K Karunakaran was chosen Chief Minister through this procedure," Mr. Muraleedharan said.

Mr. Muraleedharan's clarification came a day after his father stated that it was the prerogative of the coalition partners to decide on the Chief Minister.

Mr. Karunakaran's statement has virtually opened a new debate for the Left Democratic Front (LDF) that has been finding it difficult to counter the constant attacks by the Congress asking the coalition to name its Chief Minister.

To carry forward mandate

Mr. Muraleedharan ruled out any question of upsetting the applecart for the United Democratic Front (UDF). The DIC(K) would carry forward the mandate of the people, especially if its electoral adjustments with the Congress were to succeed. "We would perform our duties without fail," Mr. Muraleedharan said. He said that the Congress had put forward the condition that the two parties should merge after the elections. A decision on this would be taken after the elections taking into account the sentiments of the party workers.

As far as the DIC(K) was concerned, merger with the Congress was not on its agenda and it wanted to ensure the victory of the UDF.

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