The long drawn out group war in the Congress in Kerala culminated in the party's split and birth of a new party named National Congress (Indira).

Marking the end of his more than half-a-century-long association with the Congress, veteran leader K. Karunakaran named his son and former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, K. Muraleedharan, as the new party's president.

The Karunakaran-led 'I' group's rift with the Congress high command climaxed in the expulsion of Muraleedharan from the party and the decision to form a new political outfit.

The new tricolour party flag has a picture of Indira Gandhi and a charka (wheel).

The announcement here of the new party's formation followed a mass meeting of 'I' group sympathisers.

Though only 10,000 people were expected, more than 15,000 people turned out.

"With your support, love and commitment, the new party will emerge as the real Congress," Karunakaran told the gathering.

Karunakaran was at pains not to offend All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Sonia Gandhi but he unleashed a scathing attack on Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and the KPCC led by Thennala Balakrishna Pillai.

Muraleedharan said the new party would follow the policies of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) at the Centre striking an alliance with Left and democratic forces in the state.

The meeting adopted political and economic resolutions. One of the resolution declared that the loans taken by farmers, who are reeling under the crash of agricultural produce, would be written off.

The presence of M.A. John, who was once a more popular youth leader than A.K. Antony, Vayalar Ravi and Oommen Chandy, on the platform with Karunakaran and Muraleedharan evoked keen public interest.

John appeared to be making a comeback after he parted company with Antony and others due to reported political intrigue. He has for long been playing the role of a reformist of the Congress.

The latest developments mark a major turning point in the political life of Karunakaran who plunged into politics in the days of freedom struggle.

His emergence at the formidable leadership level as Home Minister marked the beginning of an enviable political success story.

The last split in the Kerala unit of the Congress was in 1978. If that split was at the national level this time it is at the state level.

Antony termed the formation of the new party as suicidal. He said it was tragic that the party that was unified by Indira Gandhi was being split in her name.

AICC General Secretary Ramesh Chennithala warned that those giving room to the Left Democratic Front (LDF) would face a humiliating reprisal.

Though a number of close associates have deserted Karunakaran, seven MLAs are reported to be firmly backing him.

A.K. Antony termed the formation of the new party as suicidal. He said it was tragic that the party that was unified by Indira Gandhi was being split in her name.