New Delhi, July 16: Simmering differences in the Kerala UDF government over Chief Minister A K Antony's anti-minority remarks failed to ebb today despite an hour-long meeting two senior IUML leaders had with Congress president Sonia Gandhi. "There will be no compromise with the self-respect of minorities. We hope for the best, but are prepared for the worst," Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) all India secretary E Ahamed told reporters adding that the meeting of the party's state secretariat would take a decision at its meeting on July 21.
IUML is the second largest coalition partner in the UDF and has 17 MLAs.
Ahamed, who along with Kerala industries minister P K Kunhali Kutty met Gandhi, said Antony's statement would have "serious political consequences" as it "will be very difficult for us to continue in this way....and will be constrained to take a decision".
He said the Kerala Chief Minister would be "responsible" for whatever happens after IUML takes a decision on July 21. The league has been demanding that Antony "correct his statement as it has created a "deep sense of anguish, anger and hurt" in the minority community.
Meanwhile, Congress spokesman Anand Sharma said at the party briefing that there was no crisis in Kerala as the "air is clear and dust settled".
He said secular credentials of the Chief Minister could not be questioned and asked mediamen to "wait for sometime" when asked as to why Antony was not clarifying the matter.

Bureau Report