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Sunday, Jan 06, 2008
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Bring back leaders like Pawar, says Karunakaran

K. Karunakaran

Thiruvananthapuram: Back in the Congress after a three-year break, veteran leader K. Karunakaran feels that the NCP chief Sharad Pawar and other senior leaders who had left the party should be brought back to face a resurgent BJP.

“I am the senior most Congressman. My firm view is that not only me, but senior leaders like Mr. Pawar should be brought back. It is my personal opinion and no discussion has begun in that direction,” the 89-year-old leader said in an interview to PTI.

Mr. Karunakaran, who returned to the party last week, felt that the involvement of Rahul Gandhi and other youth leaders would immensely benefit the party.

“The presence of a leader like Rahul Gandhi would greatly help the Congress. The services of the youth are essential. At the same time the experience of senior leaders is also crucial,” he said.

With an eye on the general elections slated for 2009, Mr. Karunakaran wanted the party to put behind the electoral reverses in States like Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand.

“There is no need to be disappointed about certain recent victories scored by the BJP as that party’s strength lies only in certain pockets. This threat could be surmounted by strengthening the Congress with leaders and workers meeting people at the grass-root level,” he said.

Following differences with party leadership Mr. Karunakaran along with his son and now NCP State President K. Muraleedharan had left Congress in May 2005 and floated the Democratic Indira Congress which later merged with the NCP in the State.

Asked about the parting of ways with Mr. Muraleedharan, the veteran leader made it known that he wanted his son back in Congress.

“I am always optimistic that my son too will choose the right path. He is a mature leader. He has proved his abilities and leadership qualities. He may have his own reason to keep away,” he said.

On being pointed out about Mr. Muraleedharan’s refrain that his father had “politically deceived” him, Mr. Karunakaran said: “You better put this question to him. As to my conscience, I have not done that.” — PTI

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