TRIVANDRUM, 13 November 2003 — Dissident Congress leader K. Karunakaran, who claims he has majority support to unseat Kerala Chief Minister A. K. Antony called on Governor Sikhander Bhakht yesterday for the second time in less than a month demanding immediate session of the state assembly.
Karunakaran said he had apprised the governor of the prevailing political situation in Kerala and requested to give him a chance to prove his strength on the floor of the house. Karunakaran claims support of more than 71 legislators — 23 from the Congress, 40 from the opposition and eight from Antony supporters --in the 140-member assembly.
The governor reportedly asked Karunakaran to produce the list of legislators supporting him. Bhakht had on Tuesday sought the chief minister’s advice on an opposition memorandum demanding an immediate assembly session to take up their resolution to remove Speaker Vakkom B. Purushothaman. The Cabinet yesterday discussed the issue and deferred a decision until Nov 18.
“Why should I ask for an assembly session when I have the majority numbers with me? Those who claim the majority is with them should seek the assembly session. There will be no hesitation on my part to convene the house,” the chief minister told reporters.
Meanwhile, Congress party spokesperson S. Jaipal Reddy said in New Delhi that Karunakaran’s criticism of party president Sonia Gandhi (that she was partial and surrounded by a coterie) amounted to indiscipline but should be seen in the backdrop of Kerala politics and his frustration (for being out of power).
