The CPI(M) Polit Bureau has taken the crucial decision to grant a position with Cabinet rank to party veteran V.S. Achuthanandan.
The decision is a follow up on the CPI(M) leadership’s decision to overlook Mr. Achuthanandan for the Chief Minister’s post and accommodate him in a position that would give him sufficient importance. Confirming the development, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said the formal decision on the position to be given to Mr. Achuthanandan would be taken by the State government. The CPI(M) has been toying with the idea of making Mr. Achuthanandan either chairman of the LDF or an adviser to the government. The LDF constituents have agreed to give Mr. Achuthanandan an important position, but the final decision would rest with the State secretariat of the CPI(M). The party leadership does not want him to become a ‘super’ Chief Minister. Nor do they want him to remain at large creating headaches for the government. The issue had become a talking point in the State last week when print and visual media published visuals showing Mr. Achuthanandan reading a note, while attending the swearing-in ceremony of the Pinarayi Vijayan Cabinet, mentioning the possible positions he could be given and later putting the note in Mr. Yechury’s pocket. Mr. Yechury confirmed that Mr. Achuthanandan had handed over a note to him on the subject. Reacting to media reports about the Polit Bureau decision, Mr. Achuthanandan said he was yet to receive any communication on the subject.