Merger with NCP convergence of 'Congress ideology': DIC(K)

Kochi, Oct 16 (UNI) Terming the merger of Democratic Indira Congress (Karunakaran) with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) as a convergence of 'Congress Ideology', DIC (K) leader K Muraleedharan today said the merger would create ripples in the political spectrum of the country.

Addressing the media jointly with NCP state president Cyriac John after officially announcing the merger here, Mr Muraleedharan said, ''both K Karunakaran and NCP chief Sharad Pawar were expelled from the Indian National Congress for questioning the anti-party policies and this merger would witness the coming together of these two leaders.'' The merger convention, to be attended by Mr Pawar, would be held on November 12.

He noted that the unconditional merger would bring in drastic changes in the political climate of the country.

The merger was the beginning for the leaders of the Congress party, who were expelled or who were disinterested with its working, to come together, he added.

Without disclosing any details, he said various talks were underway on this front.

Mr John, vouching for Mr Muraleedharan's statement, said the merger catapults Mr Karunakaran into the national stream and his political legacy would stand in good stead for the future of the country.

Rubbishing CPI(M)'s criticism that NCP would be non-existent after the merger, Mr John said his party has a national standing and the merger with a state party would not affect the existence of the NCP.

UNI MA KVV VA BS1508