After making his “intentions” clear about rejoining the party he left two years ago, senior NCP leader K Karunakaran on Sunday threw the ball in the Congress’ court saying that its leadership has to make the next move.

The former Kerala chief minister said the Congress is the “number one” political party in the country .

Described by admirers and detractors as “Leader”, the veteran politician said he had never left the party but only “distanced himself” from its activities.“I am Congress-minded. But not a party member,”he said  when asked whether he intended to rejoin the Congress.

“I have made my position clear. My intentions are not hidden. Now, the initiative should come from the Congress. I won’t be unhappy if they take me back,” Karunakaran told PTI in an interview. Karunakaran, who is here to attend NCP working committee, said he had not met senior Congress leaders to discuss his re-induction into the mother party. “I am not here to discuss politics. I have not met anyone.”