Antony must go, says Karunakaran

Veteran Congress-I leader K. Karunakaran has said that Kerala Chief Minister and arch rival A.K. Antony cannot be given any more time, and any responsible person who can run the State Government should replace him.

In an interview with a popular Malayalam weekly, he appealed to all sections in the Congress-I not to allow tampering with the administration any more, and said he had no axe to grind in this regard.

He said no more time could be given to Antony. Those who could not deliver the goods should admit it, he said. "'Though we tried for the last 16 months things could not be done the way we wanted', they should say. Those who are incapable should admit it openly so that a capable person can be found."

Asked if he would join hands with the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) if the government continued in the same manner, he said: "In that case, one cannot stand with closed eyes and folded hands. The issue of what should be done and how it should be done will be discussed with colleagues and decided."

Karunakaran recalled that neither Antony nor Oommen Chandy, the current Convenor of the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF), had adopted an approach of cooperation and friendship towards him after he emerged as the party leader in 1967.

The publication of the interview coincides with reports that the movements of Karunakaran and his close aides are under close watch by detectives from the Special Branch.

Recently a policeman in civilian clothes was found in Karunakaran's visitors' room and caught by his supporters. He was later let off at the intervention of top leaders, reports said, adding that the detectives make it a point to dress in khadi like Congress-I party members.

The 'I' group led by Karunakaran has been frequently complaining that Antony, who leads the rival 'A' faction, is using the police to gain an upperhand in the long simmering group war in the party.