Karunakaran names daughter Padmaja political heir

TPURAM: Veteran politician K Karunakaran, who has rejoined the Congress, Saturday named his daughter, Padmaja Venugopal, his political heir.

This was announced at a meeting of well-wishers of the veteran at his house here. A resolution was read out saying that Padmaja will be the political heir of Karunakaran.

The meeting was attended by Congress leaders close to Karunakaran.

Though the meeting was held at his residence, Karunakaran did not personally attend the conclave.

Reacting to the development sharply, Karunakarans son K Muraleedharan, who is still under suspension from the Congress, rubbished reports that his father had endorsed Padmaja as his political heir.

The Aurangazebs of our times, who try to usurp power by holding father captive and doing away with siblings, will not survive for long, Muraleedharan told reporters in Kozhikode.

He said Karunakaran was still healthy enough to decide who should be his political successor.

Just to get power, the father has been taken a hostage, but this cannot go on for long, said Muraleedharan.

With the latest development, Padmaja seems to have won the battle between the siblings.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister A.K. Antony, asked about the renewed factionalism in the state unit of the party, said it was best that everyone stood united.

If we are united then we can create wonders. All have to introspect if we want to perish or to reach newer heights, he said.