The Congress in Kerala is grappling with the fallout of its state president K. Sudhakaran’s statement that Jawaharlal Nehru had “compromised” with fascist forces, which came days after he had claimed to have provided protection to RSS shakhas.

Congress leaders have been scurrying to shield the party even as its principal ally Indian Union Muslim League sought an explanation. Sudhakaran on November 14, at an event to commemorate Nehru’s birth anniversary, said: “He was magnanimous in including Syama Prasad Mookerjee in his cabinet…. His large-heartedness was visible in the way he was ready to compromise with communal fascism.”

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheeesan on Wednesday said: “He meant that Jawaharlal Nehru was an inclusive person.” Both he and his predecessor Ramesh Chennithala called for an end to the controversy. But Congress Lok Sabha member K. Muraleedharan said: “The comment about Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru has dented the image of the Congress. He has corrected himself. But that’s not enough. He should sit down and discuss with our allies.”

Congress has postponed its political affairs committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, citing Sudhakaran’s ill health. On November 9, Sudhakaran had said: “There was a time when the CPM tried to destroy RSS shakas in Thottada, Kizhunna and Edakkad (in Kannur).... I am a person who sent men to provide protection to RSS shakas when the CPM tried to destroy them.”

IUML state office-bearers held a meeting on Wednesday where the comments were discussed. “We are satisfied with Sudhakaran’s explanation to his party,” IUML state general secretary P.M.A. Salam later said.