A little later, the agency said Naidu had merely stated that the Front was yet to decide on the fate of the three ministers.
By the evening, it was clear that the Front had indeed taken a decision not to induct the RJD and to leave the fate of the ministers to be decided later. But a good section of the Front which is sympathetic to Laloo Prasad wanted the confusion over the issue to continue so that they could make a last-ditch effort to convince Laloo Prasad to resign as chief minister of Bihar.
A Front leader who was present at the standing committee meeting on Thursday said that after a long debate on the RJD issue, Karunanidhi had suggested a compromise formula: Let the three ministers stay in and keep the RJD out. While some interpreted this suggestion as persisting with the RJD, others took it as a negative decision on the entry of RJD.
Soon after this, differences arose on keeping the three ministers and it was said the issue could be left for the next meeting. After the meeting, Surjeet articulated what was to be announced to the Press.
A senior Front leader wanted the confusion to continue, saying it would do more good than harm. Several Front leaders feel that the confusion would help in putting pressure on Laloo Prasad to see reason.
