Thiruvananthapuram: The differences which cropped up between the Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League - a key ally in the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) - over Chief Minister A K Antony's controversial remark on minorities, was resolved on August 8 during bilateral talks held by leaders of both parties.

The meeting, held at the Chief Minister's official residence, was attended by Antony, UDF convener Oommen Chandy, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president K Muraleedharan and IUML leaders E Ahmed and P K Kuhalikutty.

This was the third round of bilateral talks between the Congress and IUML leaders to sort out the differences, triggered after Antony's remarks last month that minorities were using their organised strength for collective bargaining.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Chandy said IUML leaders had conveyed their satisfaction, expressed by party supremo Panakad Muhammadli Shihab Thankal, over Antony's clarification on August 6 that the Congress was committed to protecting minority rights and that there was nothing wrong in their part to claim their rights.

PTI