New Delhi, January 31
The crisis faced by the Congress in Kerala appeared heading for a solution today with former Chief Minister K. Karunakaran’s son K. Muraleedharan resigning as
PCC(I) chief to join the government headed by Mr A.K. Antony as part of a compromise formula.
“KPCC chief K. Muraleedharan has tendered his resignation from the post and it has been accepted by the party chief Sonia Gandhi. However, he has been advised to continue till an alternative
arrangement is made,” Congress spokesman Anand Sharma told reporters here.
He said the Kerala Chief Minister had proposed to expand his ministry and induct Muraleedharan as a Cabinet minister. The decision has the endorsement and support of Mrs Gandhi, the spokesman said.
Asked why Mr Muraleedharan, who along with his father had been seeking a leadership change in the state for the past six months, was now being rewarded with a Cabinet berth, Mr Sharma said the party’s Central leadership had always been concerned about the developments in Kerala but it was desirable to preserve the unity of the party.
Asked if the crisis in Kerala was over, Mr Sharma said “we hope so. This is a good beginning and in the days to come, the Congress will be further strengthened.”
He dismissed a suggestion that the accommodation of Mr Muraleedharan was part of a deal. “It is not a question of a deal. It is a matter of the family and certain decisions are taken to preserve the unity of the party,” he said.
The crisis in the Kerala unit of the Congress had taken a serious turn when Mr Karunakaran had announced his intention this week to launch a new political outfit.
A breakthrough to end the crisis was apparently reached on Thursday when Mr Muraleedharan held an hour-long meeting with the Chief Minister.
Though the party leaders did not elaborate whether the new arrangement had the approval of Mr
Karunakaran, it is learnt that Mr Muraleedharan had agreed to get the approval of his father.
