CPM politburo nod for Cabinet rank to VS Achutanandan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM politburo has given the go ahead of granting a suitable position with Cabinet rank to veteran leader V S Achuthanandan who played a key role in the huge victory of the LDF. When asked about the post being considered for the veteran leader, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury said; “As far as Kerala is concerned what has been said publicly so far about comrade V S Achuthanandan, all those matters are being discussed.

There is a process and these decisions cannot be taken by central committee or politburo. Such decisions have to be taken by the government of Kerala. We have set the process rolling. So show a little patience and you will know everything that is being decided. The process is on.”

His statement clearly indicated that the state government was considering Cabinet rank but not a post where he has to report to the chief minister. It will be a Cabinet post with independent charge. While the issue of granting post of LDF chairman cannot be taken unilaterally by the CPM as it requires a formal approval from the constituent partners, the question of inducting him into state secretariat too may not be possible at this stage because PB Commission is yet to resolve pending issues involving him and the state unit.

The party leadership while agreeing for Cabinet rank to Achuthanandan, wants to ensure that it does not lead to two power centres in the government.  Meanwhile, when asked about his reaction to the understanding in politburo to grant Cabinet rank, Achuthanandan; “I have not received any such intimation.”

On continuing violence in Kerala, Yechury said RSS and BJP had carried out 41 violent attacks on the CPM and its workers after the elections in which two party men died and over 80 injured. “The BJP and RSS are unleashing attacks in Kerala as they refuse to accept the people’s verdict,” he said.

He said the Sangh Parivar was accusing the CPM of resorting to violence. “In fact it is like kettle calling the pot black. You are protesting against CPM violence when our comrades are being killed, offices ransacked. This is the RSS methodology for the preparation for their advance. We hope the new LDF Government will take stringent action in accordance with law,” he said.