Kesri Given Free Hand In Unity Talks

After a brief discussion on the issue, the CWC, in its resolution, referred to its earlier decision to invite old Congressmen and women to come back to the party. It formally authorised Kesari to go ahead with his moves in this regard.

Kesari had already made initial contacts with the Madhya Pradesh Vikas Congress led by Madhavrao Scindia and the Congres(T). There have been reports that the Congress president had also made initial contacts with the Tamil Maanila Congress led by GK Moopanar. Yesterdays decision by the CWC gives considerable flexibility to Kesari to bring back these Congress groups, which is expected to strengthen the party in states like Madhya Pradesh, UP and Tamil Nadu.

Another decision that will facilitate a home coming of these parties has been the extension of the last date for the enrolment of Congress membership up to December 31. If the breakaway groups return in about a month, they could also enrol themselves as Congress members and formally integrate into the parent body. This is expected to remove the hurdle in the way of accommodating the leaders of the breakaway groups.

in various committees. The Election Commission had made it clear that it would not recognise post-election cooptions and would go by the list of elected members while taking decisions on any possible splits of parties in future.

Another decision by the CWC has been to hold a Narora-type camp for a brain-storming discussions on party policies and organisation. It also decided to hold the next CWC meeting outside Delhi. [313]