In an apparent attempt to mollify Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief M Karunanidhi on the Vaiko issue, Congress Tuesday said "appropriate" decision regarding the continuance or otherwise of Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in the central coalition would be taken by the United Progressive Alliance collectively.
"All decisions relating to the central coalition are taken by UPA collectively. Appropriate decision regarding Vaiko will be taken by all relevant committees of the UPA keeping in view all viewpoints in a collegial atmosphere," party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi said.
Singhvi's statement came a day after his assertion at the All India Congress Committee briefing Monday dubbing as "personal view" Karunanidhi's demand for Vaiko's ouster from the UPA coalition following his desertion of the Democratic Progressive Alliance in Tamil Nadu.
Vaiko last week stunned the DMK and its allies by crossing over to Jayalalithaa-led All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam prompting Karunanidhi to seek his ouster from the UPA.
The MDMK leader has said though he parted company with DPA, he would continue to remain with the UPA at the centre. The party has four members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha and has no representation in the Union ministry.