DIC(K) claims that pact with Cong still possible

Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 23: A day after political turmoil, which made the prospects of a Congress-Democratic Indira Congress (K) alliance look bleak, the DIC(K) today expressed the hope that the gap would be bridged, with party president K Muraleedharan claiming talks had resumed and the party's approach was 'open minded'.

'The talks have resumed in the context of discussions between the Indian Union Muslim League leaders and K Karunakaran yesterday,' Mr Muraleedharan told reporters after the DIC (K) executive meeting here.

The picture would become clear by the evening and added that the IUML leadership had asked them to wait one more day.

IUML general secretary P K Kunhalikutty and Education Minister E T Mohammed Basheer, after talks with Congress Working Committee member in charge of Kerala, Veerappa Moily yesterday, held discussions with veteran leader K Karunakaran.

Soon after the League leaders met him, Mr Karunakaran softened his stand and said he did not mean to hurt anyone in his speech during the party's Kochi meet. 'I respect Soniaji as a member of the Nehru family,' he said. His words against the Congress had prompted the Congress leadership to take a stand against the alliance.

Mr Moily, who had held talks with Mr Karunakaran last week, had stated firmly that there need not be two Congress parties in the UDF. Almost all Congress leaders spoke against the DIC (K), When asked if the issues raised by Mr Karunakaran were patched up, Mr Muraleedharan said the leader himself had clarified it.

Maintaining that the party had its own identity and there was no compromise on the 'hand symbol', he said 'talks are being held keeping these things in mind.' Stating that talks with the Left Democratic Front were a closed chapter, he said the DIC (K) would help those who helped them in the coming elections. 'If the UDF helps us, we would also help them.' The DIC(K) postponed a crucial meeting to tomorrow. There are also reports that Mr Moily would have more talks with Mr Karunakaran.

UNI