The Indian Progressive Front (IPF) will not be dissolved, revealed its ailing president MG Pandithan during the party's 15th congress in Kuala Lumpur today.

On the same note, MIC president S Samy Vellu hinted that his party is unlikely to grant permission for IPF to officially join the Barisan Nasional (BN).

Samy Vellu, who officiated the congress, emphasised on the need for both MIC and IPF to cooperate to serve the Indian community.

"There must be two voices, but one heart," he told reporters.

Quizzed on his past remark that there can only be one leader for the Indian community, he replied: "We have not arrived at a change in (that) thinking."

Hero of the Indians

MIC had been at loggerheads with IPF led by Pandithan, who was a former MIC vice-president, for the past 18 years.

However, things appeared to change when the ailing Pandithan was hospitalised and was paid a visit by Samy Vellu. The duo hugged on stage during the Ijok by-election campaign trial in April.

This sparked off rumours of a merger or that IPF will be dissolved.

Since its inception, IPF had struggled to enter the BN fold due to a veto by MIC and had played a fringe role in supporting the BN.

In his speech today, Pandithan praised Samy Vellu and described him as the "hero of the Indians." He also likened him to the Hindu god, Lord Krishna.

"I see (Samy) in the form of Lord Krishna. You (Samy Vellu) know what the people need. You know what the people want," he said.

Samy Vellu, in his opening speech, stressed on the need for MIC and IPF to combine their efforts but made it clear that the status quo for an Indian voice within BN remains the same.

"I am confident that IPF members under the leadership of Pandithan will continue to grant undivided support to BN component parties, especially MIC in ensuring a bigger win for BN," he said.

Speaking to reporters later, Pandithan appeared optimistic that the MIC would one day give way.

"This is just the beginning. There is still plenty of time... we must think positively. One day, our prayers would be answered," he said.