The Hindu : Sonia may not visit T.N.

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Thursday, Jun 26, 2003

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Sonia may not visit T.N.

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI JUNE 25. The Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, is not likely to visit Tamil Nadu to take part in the Kamaraj centenary celebrations, following growing fissures within the State unit.

Ms. Gandhi was to address the rally at the Marina on July 19 as a part of the celebrations.

AICC sources said that "some rethinking" was on following reports of new infighting within the party. G.K. Vasan and his followers have been demanding a change in the leadership structure of the State. Mr. Vasan is reported to be of the opinion that the dual leadership formula is not working. He wants both the president and the working president, S. Balakrishnan and E.V.K.S. Elangovan, to be replaced. On Tuesday, his supporters boycotted the AICC general secretary, S. Kamalnath's visit to the State.

Last week, Mr. Kamal Nath sought to put a lid on the infighting in the party by holding extended talks with both the groups and by demarcating the areas of work between the two. He also made it clear that for the moment the party did not have any plans to effect a change of leadership.

Dismayed by the inability of the State leadership and the different factions to work together, Ms. Gandhi is reportedly reviewing her plans.

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