No decision yet on taking in new party: Chandy

Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 16: Seeking to distance himself from reports of a possible alliance between the Congress and the DIC (K), Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today said no decision had been taken on accommodating a new party into the Front but maintained the Congress was a ''The UDF has till date not thought of accommodating a new party in its fold. The Congress is a large family and those who agree to its programmes are always welcome,''he told reporters after a Cabinet meeting.

Mr Chandy also stressed only those who accepted Ms Sonia Gandhi's leadership could come back. Observing he stood by the decision taken at the Party's plenary at Kochi on the issue, he said the Congress is a party of workers and" its decision will be implemented.'' Peace and unity prevailed now in the Congress and the UDF, he said and talks with Front constituents were progressing.

Asked if sharing of seats with the DIC (K) figured during the talks, Mr Chandy evaded a direct reply, saying new developments could be discussed when they happened.

On the prospects of UDF coming back to power in the state, Mr Chandy said he had full faith in the people and the front will face the elections highlighting the development and welfare activities undertaken by the government.

The Cabinet had decided to recommend to the Governor to re-promulgate 20 ordinances which could not be taken up during the short Budget Session, he added.

UNI