The Hindu : New Delhi News : Karunakaran returns to Congress

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Monday, Dec 31, 2007
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New Delhi

Karunakaran returns to Congress

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Veteran politician and the former Chief Minister of Kerala K. Karunakaran returned to the Congress on Sunday evening, exactly two years and eight months after leaving the party fold in protest against the leadership both at national and State levels.

A formal announcement is likely to be made on Monday at the party’s routine briefing, party in-charge of Kerala Mohsina Kidwai said after Mr. Karunakaran met Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Briefing mediapersons after his meeting with Ms. Gandhi and later Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the 89-year-old leader said his return was “unconditional” and was aimed at strengthening the Congress as it was the only party that could address the aspirations of the entire nation.

Stating that words failed him while expressing gratitude to Ms. Gandhi for the reception he got at her 10 Janpath residence, Mr. Karunakaran said of the Congress president: “She was so kind; it was a very warm welcome.”

Asked whether Ms. Gandhi had agreed to attend the merger conference he has been proposing to signal his return to the rank and file of the Congress in Kerala, Mr. Karunakaran said it had not been discussed. According to Ms. Kidwai, it was for Mr. Karunakaran to decide on such a meeting in consultation with the State unit of the party. As for representation from the Central leadership, it would be decided as and when the details were finalised.

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