The Hindu : Muraleedharan submits resignation to Sonia

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Apr 03, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala

Muraleedharan submits resignation to Sonia

By Our Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM April 2. The KPCC president, K. Muraleedharan, has submitted his resignation to the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, in protest against the high command's action rejecting his nominee, P.C. Chacko, and nominating Thennala Balakrishna Pillai for the second Rajya Sabha seat the party could win from the State. The AICC general secretary, Vayalar Ravi, is the other candidate.

Mr. Muraleedharan, in his letter delivered to Ms. Gandhi through a special messenger this evening, requested her to relieve him after April 8, when the Kerala Raksha Yatra, led by the UDF convener, Oommen Chandy, is slated to conclude at Kasaragod. Mr. Muraleedharan protested against the high command's decision overruling the nomination of Mr. Chacko, which had been recommended, after following the procedures laid down by it.

It is learnt that the AICC general-secretary in-charge of Kerala, Ambika Soni, has requested Mr. Muraleedharan to rush to Delhi to sort out the issue.

According to sources close to Mr. Muraleedharan, the KPCC president had been undergoing tremendous strain both at home and office because of his having to taken a diametrical position opposite his father, K. Karunakaran. ``The KPCC president feels miserably let down by the decision. The party high command had directed the KPCC president and the Chief Minister, A.K. Antony, to give their views. But Mr. Muraleedharan's views were not sought for before the final announcement was made," the sources added.

The Chief Minister immediately rushed to the KPCC office in an attempt to placate Mr. Muraleedharan. He is reported to have informed the latter that he was in no way responsible for the party high command's decision to nominate Mr. Pillai. Mr. Antony, Mr. Muraleedharan and Mr. Pillai were closeted together for half an hour later in the evening. Mr. Muraleedharan's action has further complicated the selection of candidates for the Rajya Sabha elections.

Mr. Karunakaran has in the meantime decided to carry the fight into the high command camp. He is contemplating on asking Kodoth Govindan Nair to file his nomination papers. Filing of nominations papers will conclude on April 4 and the last date of withdrawal is April 6. Karunakaran supporters are of the opinion that the senior leader would continue the fight and put pressure on the high command.

The final picture about Mr. Karunakaran's plans would emerge only tomorrow.

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