The Hindu : Deliberations continue on Cong. crisis

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Friday, Apr 18, 2003

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Deliberations continue on Cong. crisis

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI APRIL 17. The Congress leadership today continued to deliberate on the course of action to be adopted in the wake of the developments in its Kerala unit.

The AICC general secretary in charge of the State, Ambika Soni, and the two observers, Gulam Nabi Azad and R. K. Dhawan, have made some recommendations to the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi.

The Congress president had asked the two observers and Ms. Soni to study the report sent by the KPCC chief, K. Muralidharan, besides inputs received from other sources, and suggest the course of action to be adopted. At the end of their consultations, the leaders said their recommendations were made ``keeping in mind the discipline and unity of the party''.

Mr. Muralidharan sent a detailed three-page report last night in which he has sought to absolve himself of any responsibility for the developments. He has reportedly argued that he did all that was asked for by the high command and ensured the victory of the official candidates. He is also reported to have pointed out that not only did he expel the rebel candidate, he had also directed the MLAs to vote for the official candidates. The central leadership, however, does appear to be unhappy with him.

However, the leadership is treading cautiously, considering the overall impact that its actions may have on the party and the Government in Kerala. Emerging from their meeting this evening, Ms. Soni, Mr. Dhawan and Mr. Azad emphasised the fact that ``it is a political issue that has to be handled tactfully, keeping both the long term and short term interests of the party in mind''. The three leaders are expected to meet the Congress president on Friday morning. ``It is now up to the Congress president to decide; she may accept our recommendation or amend it,'' Ms. Soni said, refusing to reveal the course of action they have suggested.

The Congress leadership has to address the twin issues of indiscipline and safeguarding the State Government from any adverse impact. It wants to act in a manner that shows that it does not condone indiscipline, without precipitating matters. The bottom line, according to Ms. Soni, would be to strengthen the party.

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