“I welcome this decision from the high command and am happy that it has recognised the sentiments of the ordinary workers. My return to the party is unconditional,” the octogenarian leader told newspersons here. The decks for the former chief minister’s return were cleared when he admitted that leaving the Congress was a “mistake” and also extolled the leadership of Ms Gandhi. Several leaders supporting  A K Antony, had indicated that Karunakaran should be taken back.

Some others who were not quite pleased with the growing dominance of the Oommen Chandy — Ramesh Chennithala axis were also supportive of the idea.