TRIVANDRUM, 12 November 2003 — Indian Union Muslim League, the second largest partner in the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala, made it clear yesterday that it would stand by any decision Congress party President Sonia Gandhi takes to end the feud in her party.
“We are not concerned about the threat of certain leaders leaving or joining that party. As far as we are concerned, we are there to strengthen the secular forces in India under Sonia Gandhi’s leadership,” IUML General Secretary E. Ahmed said.
He said Sonia had assured the allies that all problems in her party unit in Kerala following an open rebellion by senior leader K. Karunakaran would be settled soon. “Our efforts are to strengthen the coalition, not to wreck it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Karunakaran said he stood by his statement that Sonia should dump the coterie surrounding her. “It was the duty of the real Congressmen to correct the leadership whenever it makes mistakes. I would continue to do so,” he said.
On the reported statement by the Congress disciplinary panel chief L.P. Sahi that he would seek a clarification from the Kerala leader, he said: “I deliberately gave the interview to a newspaper (Hindustan Times) they read in New Delhi. What’s there to clarify? Nobody has sought any clarification”.
The former chief minister said he had the numbers to unseat Chief Minister A.K. Antony and he would prove it if he was given a chance. “There’s no compromise on the demand for Antony’s ouster,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Antony called on Governor Sikander Bakht and held discussions for 15 minutes amid speculation that he would advise him to call the state legislative assembly for a show of strength on its floor.
The chief minister’s office refused to divulge details of the discussions describing it as “routine”.
Reports however said Antony discussed the current political situation and gave clarification on the selection list of district judges, returned by governor saying some of them faced disciplinary action.
