CPM: VS Achuthanandan like Castro for Kerala

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, addressing a press conference here on Friday, said, “Considering Comrade VS’ age and physical limitations, and recognising his role, we have come to a decision unanimously that Pinarayi Vijayan will be proposed as leader of the LDF Legislature Party. On the basis of this, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan will conduct discussions with other LDF parties and the details will be finalised.”

Mr Yechury said as far as Comrade VS was concerned, the only parallel in the international Communist movement was that of Fidel Castro. “Comrade Achuthanandan is like Fidel Castro for Kerala. He is like what Fidel is for Cuba today. He will be guiding and inspiring the party. VS will continue to play that role,” he said.

The CPI(M) general secretary refused to answer questions regarding a Cabinet-rank position or RS berth for Mr Achuthanandan. “I told you that he is the Fidel Castro of Kerala. All other things will be discussed later. The agenda was the LDF government,” he added. Mr Achuthanandan, who remained seated beside Mr Yechury throughout the press conference, looked detached. Though Mr Vijayan was present at the AKG Centre, he didn’t attend the press conference. “Don’t worry, he will come before you,” he said.

You will not miss him for the next five years,” Mr Yechury told mediapersons who were keen on photographing Mr Achuthanandan, Mr Pinarayi and other central party leaders.

The party general secretary walked along with Mr Achuthanandan up to the car and saw him off. After the state committee meeting, Mr Yechury greeted Mr Pinarayi and presented him a bouquet. Many leaders met Mr Pinarayi and congratulated him. The mood at the AKG Centre was jubilant as workers distributed sweets to visitors to celebrate the LDF’s landslide victory.