The Hindu : 'Annihilation of rebels not Cong. style'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Apr 24, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala

'Annihilation of rebels not Cong. style'

By Our Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM APRIL 23. ``Annihilation of the enemy (within) is not the style of the Congress,'' the Chief Minister, A.K. Antony, said here on Wednesday in reference to the dissidence he was facing in the party.

Talking to presspersons before leaving for Delhi for discussions with the Congress high command, the Chief Minister said the high command was trying to solve the problems that had arisen during the Rajya Sabha elections from the State in a democratic manner.

Mr. Antony said that he did not wish to make any public statement on the crisis precipitated by the Congress leader, K. Karunakaran, as the high command was seized of the matter. The Congress was a party that had faced similar situations in the past. It had successfully dealt with such problems. The high command was experienced in handling such matters.

Asked about the continuation of those who had voted against the official candidates of the Congress in his Ministry, the Chief Minister said he was not much concerned about the matter. "Unlike what you think, it is not a serious problem," he said.

Mr. Antony said the Congress did not believe in throwing out all dissidents lock stock and barrel. He recalled that such attempts by the CPI(M) had met with failure. Years ago, it had expelled Mr. M.V. Raghavan and his supporters. However, sectionalism did not end. The party expelled many more leaders subsequently. Still the party was now vertically divided.

He said the high command had not asked him to visit Delhi. He was going on his own because he thought it was his responsibility to be there in view of the current situation. There was no specific agenda behind his visit.

Mr. Antony said he had asked the Home Department to examine whether the State Government needed to issue a notification entrusting the CBI with the investigation of the Muthanga incidents before the agency agreed to conduct the probe. The Home Secretary had written to the Centre a month ago seeking the inquiry. Another letter was sent recently, he added.

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