On TN’s west, in Kerala, there’s trouble for the Congress with veteran leader K. Karunakaran threatening to split the party—he has declared he’ll float the Indira National Congress.
The seriousness of Karunakaran’s intention to split the party was, however, not immediately discernible because he has advised his son K. Muraleedharan, the Kerala state Congress chief, not to quit the party. Karunakaran is flexing his muscles to reportedly leverage key seats for his group. In the days to come, there may be renewed efforts to win Karunakaran back. If these efforts fail, it’ll be to the advantage of the Left that has made friendly overtures to the Congress rebels in the past. Even if he doesn’t come to an arrangement with the Left, Karunakaran can only harm the Congress-led UDF’s prospects.
By S. Anand and John Mary
