Kochi, Nov 18: Even as the 'I' faction in the ruling Congress in Kerala led by senior leader K Karunakaran, who has demanded resignation of Chief Minister A K Antony, is gearing up for a massive showdown by organising a convention here tomorrow, "hard decisions" are not likely to be taken at the meeting. Sources in the 'I' faction told that no "hard" decisions were likely to be announced at the meeting, being held in the name of birth anniversary celebrations of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

However, after tomorrow's convention, steps towards bringing down the A K Antony led UDF government would be taken. "Within a week from tomorrow, political developments to ensure the fall of the government will follow," they said.

An adamant Karunakaran had told reporters yesterday that he was not prepared to wait till December one deadline set by high command to sort out the crisis in the Party. However, Karunakaran, considered the 'Chanakya' of Kerala politics, is unlikely to take any hasty decision of splitting the party, political observers say. His son and KPCC president, K Muraleedharan, has been openly critical of Antony, holding him responsible for the party's adamant stand on the Rajya Sabha election issue, selection of candidate for the Ernakulam Bypoll etc.

Murali, who had earlier stated that the Chief Minister will be responsible if the party splits, has now climbed down and has expressed willingness to hold talks to end the crisis. Bureau Report