Chandy meets Sonia, DCC revamping after by-poll

New Dehi, Nov 7 (UNI) Former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today met Congress President Sonia Gandhi amid the demand for reconstitution of the district congress committees and thickening crisis within the ruling United Democratic Front.

During his 30-minute discussion, Mr Chandy apprised Ms Gandhi of the rebellion within the Congress-led Opposition UDF in the context of the Kerala Congress (Mani) openly expressing its ire over the denial of a Rajya Sabha Seat to it and the Indian Union Muslim League, the second biggest constituent of the UDF, taking strong exception to the highly-critical statement of top Congress leader Aryadan Mohammed about the party.

There are indications that the revamping of the DCCs in Kerala would be delayed. It is likely that the exercise would take place after the by-election to the Tiruvambadi assembly seat on December four.

Mr Chandy, who is also Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, met Mr Ahmed Patel, Political Secretary to the Congress President.

Referring to the controversial statement of former Minister Aryadan Mohammed about the Muslim League, Mr Chandy said that some of the words and sentences of Mr Mohammed were taken out of context by the press.

The Congress never underestimated the role played by the Muslim league which had helped to maintain law and order in the state in the wake of the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992.

"It is the IUML which helped to maintain communal harmony at that time. We have a very clear stand with regard to the IUML," Mr Chandy said.

Asked about the strong reaction of KPCC President Ramesh Chennithala to the death sentence to former Iraqi ruler Saddam Hussain, Mr Chandy said the stand of the Kerala Congress was not at variance with the AICC.

Mr Chandy alleged that there was a breakdown of law and order in Kerala under the Marxist-led Left Democratic Front.

In this context, he cited the lapse in the security of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh despite e-mail threats to his life a few days ago.

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