The Congress today stood by Kerala Chief Minister A.K.Antony, who is in the eye of a storm for his statement on organised minorities cornering benefits in the state. The party sent a clear signal to his detractors not to subvert the issue.Stressing that the United Democratic Front government was in no danger, AICC’s Kerala in-charge Ahmed Patel said: ‘‘Antony’s intention was not to hurt any sentiments of the minorities for whose welfare the party and Kerala Government are deeply committed.’’ ‘‘Sometimes remarks are interpreted off the cuff,’’ he added, referring to Antony’s statement. Reiterating the secular credentials of the party and Antony, Patel said: ‘‘Congress’s commitment to security and well-being of minorities comes across in all our document including the Shimla Sankalp.’’ ‘‘Antony’s secular credentials and intention should not be doubted,’’ he said. While answering a question on July 9, Antony had said: ‘‘The minorities in Kerala are organised. These organised sectors, using their organised power, are securing more benefits from the Government. Bargains for more. Other communities raise such an allegation. There is an atmosphere of such an allegation in Kerala. No one should forget the truth.’’Taking almost a similar stand, Patel said: ‘‘I reiterate on behalf of our party that we will be fair and just in our dealings with all communities specially those which have genuine grievances.’’ Antony had further said, ‘‘Amid this, different politically strong forces are trying to take advantage of their own.They should show some more restraint.’’‘‘It is not fair on the part of minorities to force the Government to do anything in the name of organised power. It is my personal opinion,’’ he had said. Kerala has about 32 per cent minority voters, mainly in central Kerala.Since Antony’s statement Patel has been involved in frantic fire-fighting especially with regard to the Muslim League, one of the largest allies in the UDF with 17 MLAs. Some of these MLAs are expected to meet party president Sonia Gandhi on July 16, after which Antony may clarify his stand to the allies.The rival group, led by senior leader K. Karunakaran, has demanded for leadership change. His loyalists, who have been camping in Delhi for the last three days, might meet Sonia tomorrow. Karunakaran’s son, KPCC chief K. Muraleedharan, had already condemned Antony’s statement.
