Date:22/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/22/stories/2006112201840200.htm

Kerala

NCP's future in Kerala

K. Muraleedharan seems to be back in the limelight. After a period of political uncertainty, he has been elevated as the State president of the Nationalist Congress Party, a constituent of the ruling Left Democratic Front.

The appointment has caused quite a stir in LDF circles. Several senior LDF leaders had opposed the NCP's merger with the Democratic Indira Congress (Karunakaran).

However, even the threat of expulsion from the LDF did not deter NCP leaders from accommodating K. Karunakaran and his son. For now, Mr. Muraleedharan has said he will campaign for the LDF.

Perhaps, the NCP's future in the LDF will be decided after the Assembly byelection in Thiruvambadi.

G. ANAND