Put on wait for an audience with Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, former Kerala CM and rebel leader K. Karunakaran has postponed his return to the state by a day. Sources said Karunakaran, engaged in a tussle with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, now plans to return on Sunday. There is, however, no word on whether he would get an appointment even by then. Sonia would meet him only if a compromise is on the cards, sources added.Sounding optimistic about a breakthrough, Karunakaran told reporters: ‘‘There are certain problems in Kerala. The high command is at it and I hope by tomorrow or day after, I will be able to tell you something.’’Congress Election Authority chairman Oscar Fernandes called on the ‘I’ group leader last evening and today. Fernandes, who is overseeing organisational polls, reportedly tried to address his concerns over the conduct of elections, including the selection of district returning officers.Karunakaran’s principal demand at the moment is the conduct of free and fair party polls, convinced as he is with his ability to outmanoeuvre Chandy’s supporters in the exercise. Karunakaran said the high command had authorised Fernandes to discuss with him all issues and decide how to resolve them. ‘‘We had preliminary discussions last night and I hope, some result will come by tomorrow.’’Karunakaran ruled out cancelling his forthcoming rally, scheduled for March 21, at Ernakulam. Asked if the Kerala Congress was heading for a split, he said: ‘‘Nothing will happen as long as people like me are there.’’
