New Delhi: In a move seen as part of its efforts to mollify sulking leader K Karunakaran, the Congress high command has cleared induction of his son K Muraleedharan into the A K Antony Government in Kerala.

Three days after Karunakaran threatened to split the party by launching "Indira National Congress", the party high command decided to induct Muraleedharan in the State Cabinet after accepting his resignation as the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president.

Announcing this today (Jan 31, 2004), All India Congress Committee (AICC) spokesman Anand Sharma told reporters, "Muraleedharan's resignation as KPCC chief has been accepted by party president Sonia Gandhi. However, he has been advised to continue till an alternative arrangement is made."

The Kerala Chief Minister has proposed to expand his Ministry and induct Muraleedharan as Minister. The decision has the endorsement and support of Gandhi, he said.

When asked if the decision to induct the senior leader's son would end the crisis in Congress in Kerala, Sharma said, "We hope so...This is a good beginning and in the days to come Congress would emerge stronger in the State."

Asked about the portfolio to be given to Muraleedharan, Sharma said it was the prerogative of the Chief Minister.