KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala has made it clear the poll alliance that UDF has struck with Mr K. Muraleedharan for elections to local bodies in Kozhikode district has the approval of Congress leadership though no decision has been taken yet on Mr Muraleedharan’s request to be allowed to rejoin Congress.
Speaking at a Meet-the-Leader programme of Kozhikode Press Club on Thursday, the KPCC chief also said there was nothing improper in Congress leaders calling on Mr Muraleedharan at his residence to discuss electoral alliance though he was under suspension from the party and no decision had been taken yet on request to be allowed to rejoin Congress .
( The alliance was struck after senior leaders of the Congress leaders and Muslim League had held talks with Mr Muraleedharan at his residence. Mr Muraleedharan’s supporters are contesting elections to Kozhikode Corporation Council as well as to other local bodies in Kozhikode district.)
“ It is a local level arrangement that has the approval of the party. It is in line with our election guidelines.”, Mr. Ramesh Chennithala said when his attention was drawn to the decision to allow Mr. Muraleedharan’s nominees to contest under Congress election symbol in elections to local bodies.
Mr. Chennithala also said the alliance would strengthen victory chances of UDF candidates. District –level leaders of UDF were in favour of such an alliance since in their assessment it would benefit UDF candidates. “ We have our approval . But the question of allowing Mr. Muraleedharan to re - enter Congress would be decided only later”, he said.
