Cong open to ties with Karunakaran

Congress President Sonia Gandhi today said it was up to the party's Kerala unit to decide whether or not to have electoral ties with K Karunakaran-led Democratic Indira Congress (DIC-K).

Sonia told this to editors of four Malayalam newspapers and a television channel who met her for nearly 35 minutes this morning, AICC Secretary Tom Vadakkan told reporters.

The Congress president categorically stated that the "DIC-K issue was to be decided by the local unit," he said.

"The central leadership will come into the picture at a later stage. The Kerala unit has to take a decision", Vadakkan, who was also present at the meeting, said. "Sonia said she saw the enthusiasm of the party workers at today's rally and this must be carried forward in the election", Vadakkan said.

Asked about the AICC stand on ties with DIC-K, he said, "We would like to look at things as presented to us by our state unit, as they are the 'eyes and ears' of the party. We will definitely be guided by our unit".

The issue has figured prominently in the ongoing state Congress conference here which is being held after a gap of 18 years.

Karunakaran, however, said his party would spell out its stand on alliances by March 20.

Sources say opinion in the party is divided. "Everyone is aware that if Karunakaran's party puts up candidates in all 140 constituencies, it will only eat into Congress votes," said a party source.

Asked for comment on Sonia's decision to leave the issue to the state unit, Karunakaran said, "Whatever stance on future alliances we take will be pro-people."

"We hope the cold-blooded logic of electoral politics prevails at the end of the day", sources said.