Thiruvananthapuram, Sunday 05 July 2009: Senior Congress leader K Karunakaran said that this is the apt time to strengthen the United Democratic Front (UDF).

Those interested to work with the Congress, should be accommodated in the UDF, he told reporters when asked whether the Janata Dal and NCP will be given a place in the UDF.

The leader, who turned 91 today, told reporters that a decision on it should be taken at the earliest.

Karunakaran, who has been through ups and downs in politics since the days of freedom struggle, was greeted on the occasion by his supporters and well-wishers, whom he received by offering sweets.

A media-friendly leader, Karunakaran did not disappoint journalists either, who called on him at his residence here. Last month, Karunakaran had celebrated his birth day according to the Malayalam calendar.

K. Karunakaran born July 5, 1918. For most part of his political career, he has been with Indian National Congress. He is a former Chief Minister of Kerala, Home minister of Government of Kerala, and Minister for Industries of Government of India. He is affectionately called “Leader” by Congress activists.