Rebels vow to defeat ruling front candidate

The faction in the Congress led by veteran leader K. Karunakaran has openly vowed to defeat the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate in the December 1 Assembly by-election from the Thiruvalla constituency.

This is the second time in less than two months that the Karunakaran-led Con-gress faction has challenged UDF after the latter's debacle in Ernakulam.

"The UDF will not get a member to the state legislature in the Thiruvalla by-election this time," saidKarunakaran loyalist N. Venugopal.

He urged party workers to campaign against the candidate who did not enjoy Karunakaran's support and show the faction's strength.

Elizabeth Mamman, wife of former Thiruvalla MLA Mamman Mathai, is the UDF candidate. It was Mamman Mathai's untimely demise that necessitated the by-election.

"Karunakaran would make an announcement at his faction's rally on November 19. This would decide the future of the state's politics," Venugopal added.

L. P. Sahai, who is entrusted with the task of ending the crisis in Kerala, said Karunakaran would be asked to give an explanation for criticising Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

Karunakaran in an interview said Sonia was under the control of a group of cronies and she needed to come out of her shell. He also said she was listening only to some people like Antony.

JOB OFFER

Padmaja's aide held on swindling charge
• Seva Dal Treasurer V. P. Ganaraj, a close associate of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation Chairperson and veteran Congress leader K. Karunakaran's daughter Padmaja Venugopal, has been arrested on the charge of swindling job hunters.

• He is reported to have given false job promises and made job-seekers part with millions of rupees. Angamali police arrested Ganaraj on Sunday night.

• Following the disclosure of the cheating, Ginaraj had gone underground.

• Former block panchayat president of Angamali, Rani Jose, had accused Ganaraj of collecting nearly Rs2.5 million on promise of securing jobs at Kochi Airport, the KTDC and Apollo Tyres.