THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: K Muraleedharan MLA said that his father had never said that he was cheated by the Congress leaders of Kerala in connection with the ISRO spy case. He also told reporters that Karunakaran’s resignation was not caused by groupism in the party.

“The constituent parties had taken a stand that UDF will not win the elections if Karunakaran continued as chief minister. Karunakaran had said that he was cheated by Narasimha Rao. The spy case was just an internal issue. It just became a reason for those who wanted Karunakaran to be removed from the position. UDF direction was to remove Karunakaran by giving him some other cabinet post. Two constituent parties did not agree to remove him. If Narasimha Rao had cooperated, nothing would have happened to Karunakaran. Rao had in February 1995 said that Karunakaran’s resignation is not required. However, in March Rao sought resignation from Karunakaran. I do not know anything else about the case. I do not know whether my father has told anything else to Padmaja. There should be solid proof to raise allegations. I don’t want this to be a discussion within the party. Karunakaran passed away without getting justice. I consider it as a private loss for our family. I am ending this discussion now. I am happy that justice has been implemented by the Supreme Court though it took years and my father is no more”, said Muraleedharan.

“The party is not that active now because of the floods. Nobody has demanded to remove the party leader. Booth level committees should be strengthened. Leadership should not be changed. UDF has a strong convenor now”, clarified Muraleedharan.