The long wait for K. Muraleedharan, former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president and son of the former Chief Minister, K. Karunakaran, ended on Tuesday with party president Sonia Gandhi approving his readmission, after revoking his six-year suspension without any condition. The decision, with the Assembly elections round the corner in the State, was taken following a report given by PCC president Ramesh Chennithala and Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy to the high command, withdrawing the State unit's objection to his re-entry. The two leaders called on Ms. Gandhi here with a formal letter giving their consent.
After having a word with the Kerala in-charge of the party, Mohsina Kidwai, Ms. Gandhi decided to revoke Mr. Muraleedharan's suspension considering that he had apologised to her, in writing, for working against the Congress interests and criticising her in his speeches.
Ms. Kidwai and Mr. Chennaithala, who announced his re-entry, said Mr. Muraleedharan would find a place in the party's State executive.
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Mr. Muraleedharan had worked for the Congress in the local body elections held in September and the Congress leaders thanked him for his support.
Mr. Muraleedharan's sister, Padmaja Venugopal, is in the Congress.