Kerala Cong to decide on electoral ties next week

Congress is having an "open mind" on whether or not to have any alliance with DIC-K or make it part of the UDF.

Congress will take a final decision on electoral ties with veteran leader K Karunakaran's Democratic Indira Congress (DIC-K) on March 7.

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The party had an "open mind" on the issue, Kerala PCC President Ramesh Chennithala said on Friday.

Congress is having an "open mind" on whether or not to have any alliance with DIC-K or make it part of the UDF, Chennithala told reporters after a meeting of the KPCC Executive.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi, and state ministers, MLAS, MPs participated in the meeting.

At the executive, different views were expressed and a collective decision, taking into consideration.

The views expressed by leaders at the meeting, would be taken on March 7 at the Plenary session.

Since the Congress was a democratic party, the views of the grassroot party workers would also be taken into consideration while taking a final decision on the DIC-K issue, he said.

The DIC-issue is also likely to figure in talks the party leadership will have with Congress President Sonia Gandhi, during her visit to Kochi.

Gandhi would be addressing party workers on Saturday.

Exuding confidence, Chennithala said the "present climate" was favourable for UDF.

There was "peace and tranquility" in the party now.

The party's state conference, being held after an 18-year-gap, got off to a formal start in Kochi on Friday morning with Chennithala unfurling the party flag.