Date:13/06/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/13/stories/2008061356780100.htm

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Fresh bid to end Congress-IUML row

Special Correspondent

Congress to hold talks with IUML on June 14
Face-off affecting functioning of local bodies

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy and Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Ramesh Chennithala will begin a fresh round of dialogue to resolve the differences between its Malappuram district leadership and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), on June 14 after they return from Dubai.

The tussle between the Congress and the IUML has in the meantime spread at the grassroots level, extending not only to local bodies but even various cooperative societies. The control of these grassroots-level organisations is crucial, as they have clout in furthering the interests of the respective parties. In many cooperative societies, the IUML is not in a position to win a ruling majority without the support of the Congress.

On poll debacle

The Malappuram leaders have not taken kindly to the allegations made by the IUML leadership that the Congress was responsible for the defeat of the IUML in the Assembly elections. According to some leaders, if the Congress leadership were to accept this contention, then the IUML would also have to explain whether the leaders from Malappuram district were responsible for the party’s defeat in the Manjeswaram Assembly seat, from where IUML leader Cherkulam Abdullah had been winning by a huge majority. The IUML would also have to clarify whether the Congress was responsible for its defeat in Koduvally and Thiruvambadi, which had been returning UDF candidates with thumping majorities.

According to Congress leaders from the State, the IUML was raising these allegations to cover up its failure to prevent erosion from its rank and file. There are leaders from the Muslim community in the Congress and the CPI(M). But none of them had quit to join other organisations. The leaders allege that the children of some IUML local leaders had joined other Muslim organisations. The IUML has not succeeded in preventing youngsters joining these organisations that are basically anti-IUML, they alleged.

There are sufficient indicators that Mr. Chandy and Mr. Chennithala would have limited options to work out a formula that would not affect the morale of the Congress workers.