Thiruvananthapuram: The Democratic Indira Congress (Karunakaran) (DIC-K) is struggling to stay afloat in Kerala's bi-polar coalition politics.

The party is seeking to gain currency by adopting a route that may find itself in Left politics, something the party wished earlier for but in vain.

According to latest reports, the DIC(K) is seeking a tie-up with Union Minister Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which is a coalition partner in the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala and the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) at the Centre.

DIC(K) president K. Muraleedharan held discussions with Mr. Pawar in Delhi the other day on the possibilities of merger of the DIC(K) and the NCP.

The NCP route was discussed at the recent DIC(K) leadership camps. The political resolution, while admitting to its frustration in Kerala's coalition politics, called for a political polarisation at the national level on the democratic secular platform. Mr. Muraleedharan's meeting with Mr. Pawar was a follow up of this exercise.

Left of Centre position

Ever since its formation, the DIC(K) took care to adopt a Left of Centre position.

It made a serious attempt to get into the LDF fold and nearly pulled off a formal alliance. Its informal ties with the LDF in the local bodies elections fetched it dividends.

When the LDF alliance did not materialise, the DIC(K) went in for an electoral understanding with the UDF. But the arrangement was rejected not only by the electorate, but also its own cadres.

Even though there are several road blocks for the DIC(K) in reviving its fortunes via the NCP route, these political moves signal the party's frustration in being sidelined, particularly after its dismal show in the recent Assembly elections.

The NCP's State unit is unlikely to accept the DIC(K) merger. Besides, there is no compulsion on the LDF to accept such an arrangement at present.

At one point of time, Mr. Pawar mooted the merger, but the DIC(K) had different plan because it felt it could make a dent in the State.

Along with the merger moves, the DIC(K) also seems to test its survival options by contesting some of the byelections to local bodies on its own.

Survival options

Its decision to contest the Koothattukulam division of the Ernakulam district panchayat has led to a revolt by Johnny Nellore, who belonged to the former Kerala Congress (Jacob). The party is also facing erosion of its rank and file, with several local level leaders rejoining the Congress.

It continues to draw much inspiration from senior leader K. Karunakaran and his stamp could be seen in every move.

Since the complexion of politics is unlikely to change, the DIC(K) would have to continue its search for a formula that would restore its crisis of confidence and credibility.

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