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DIC(K) puts Nellore on notice

Special Correspondent

Karunakaran also in favour of strong action against indiscipline

K. Muraleedharan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Democratic Indira Congress (Karunakaran) on Thursday issued a show-cause notice to its senior leader Johnny Nellore, formerly the chairman of the Kerala Congress (Jacob), on charges of deviating from the party's decision on fielding a candidate for the byelection to the Koothattukulam division of the Ernakulam District Panchayat.

Mr. Nellore is opposed to the DIC (K)'s decision to field a candidate from this predominantly UDF constituency.

However, DIC (K) president K. Muraleedharan overruled his objections and decided to field the party's candidate.

Mr. Muraleedharan had made it clear on Wednesday that the party would take stern action against leaders who deviated from the party line.

Mr. Muraleedharan had informed mediapersons that leaders were free to express their opinions in the party forums, but once the party formulated a line, all leaders were bound to stand by it.

Mr. Nellore, along with T. M. Jacob, has been inching closer to the Congress-led UDF. Mr. Jacob had met KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala recently.

Mr. Chennithala confirmed Mr. Jacob's meeting, while Mr. Muraleedharan said Mr. Jacob had denied such a meeting.

Mr. Chennithala said it was for Mr. Jacob to decide his future course of action.

As far as the Congress and the UDF were concerned, it would continue to seek ways to strengthen its positions, he added.

The former Kerala Congress (Jacob) men have not been comfortable in the DIC(K) and there have been several indications that more will quit the party.

Mr. Nellore openly stated that it would be political foolhardy to field a candidate from Koothattukulam, after having forged ties in the recent Assembly elections.

According to him, it would be difficult for party leaders like him to explain to the people the frequent change in political stance.

The DIC(K) leader K. Karunakaran was also in favour of strong action against indiscipline. He did make a mention at the DIC(K)'s executive.

Tough position

It is interesting to note that the DIC(K) has taken a tough position even while several of its local leaders have deserted the party and either rejoined the Congress or moved to the NCP, which is a partner in the LDF coalition.

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