Karunakaran back in Congress
New Delhi (PTI): Veteran Kerala politician K Karunakaran on Sunday returned to the Congress, two-and-a-half years after he parted ways with it over differences with the state and central leadership in the midst of rampant infighting in the party.
The 89-year-old leader met Congress President Sonia Gandhi to officially convey his desire to return to the party which was accepted by her. However, there was no word from the Congress on how he will be accommodated in the party.
"My entering the Congress is unconditional. I want to serve the party because serving the party means serving the nation," he told reporters after his meetings with Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
A cheerful looking Karunakaran said he was satisfied and was ready to work wherever his services are needed for the party.
He also hoped that his son K Muraleedharan, state NCP President who had left Congress along with him, will eventually return to the party.
"I am sure whatever he may say publicly he cannot keep away from the Congress for a long time," he said adding Muraleedharan was a "grown-up person" and was free to take his own decisions.
Karunakaran, who left the Congress to form Democratic Indira Congress on May one, 2005, said the party has weakened and is losing key states. It was his duty to return to the Congress to strengthen it.
He also favoured return of all leaders who have left the party over the years.
National
