THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan assigned a role for himself on Saturday saying that he will take up the role of people’s sentinel in view of the massive mandate the people had given to him, quite apparent during his whistle stop tour of the state for electioneering.
This is significant coming as it does after party general secretary Sitaram Yechury terming Mr Achuthandanan as Fidel Castro of Kerala, a role in which he is expected to guide, advise and inspire the party just as Fidel does in Cuba.
In reply to questions Mr Achuthanadna he was not one who was over awed by positions in governments. He said this when asked whether he would accept a suitable post for him.
The people’s sentinel post now virtually pre-empts Mr Achuthanandan accepting any berth in the ruling front. There was an air of anticipation in the state since Friday, speculations were rife on what CPM veteran V S Achuthanandan would say at the press conference, a day after party leadership chose politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan as the next chief minister.
But nearly two hours before the press conference, Pinarayi and CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan called on Achuthanandan at his residence. The visit of CPM leaders, camaraderie witnessed at the meeting, sent out a clear message that everything was "cool" in the party.
Yet, curious journalists packed Cantonment House hall expected Achuthanandan to say something between the lines. As the clock struck 11, his personal staff entered the hall, staff positioned the chair signalling his arrival. The 92-year-old leader looked cheerful, just the opposite of his detached demeanour at the AKG Centre press conference on Friday in which general secretary Sitaram Yechury announced Pinarayi Vijayan's name.
He pulled out a written statement, started reading it out in his usual style. Media persons heard every sentence, every word carefully. Achuthanandan started off thanking people for massive mandate, attacked Oommen Chandy government on solar fraud, bar bribe, Jisha murder case and controversial land allotment to private parties.
The veteran, who underlined high expectations of people, said it was the duty of the LDF Government to bring the accused in corruption cases to justice. He hoped assailants of Jisha would soon be behind the bars. “People expect fair and transparent probe into all these issues,” he said.
On development front, Achuthanandan said the people want the LDF Government to complete the dream projects Kochi Metro, Kannur Airport and SmartCity in a time bound manner. The veteran leader remembered with gratitude the support extended to him as opposition leader.
The much awaited part, about his future role in state politics, came at the end. “I assure the people that I would be the sentinel of people, raising problems affecting the people and upholding steadfastly to Left ideals,” he concluded. Soon the first question came up. VS do you have any health problems ? The party has said that you have not been considered for the chief minister’s post because of your age and physical limitations ?
“There is no need to discuss these issues now,” replied Achuthanandan.
People expected you to become the chief minister. What do you have to say to them? Did you decline to accept the post? “I am thanking the people of the state for giving their full support to me as opposition leader. Today we are only talking about this issue,” he said.
On party offering him post with cabinet rank, the veteran leader said “You are awre that I am not a person who goes behind such positions,” he said. When asked about report that he was shifting base to his hometown Alappuzha, Achuthandan replied; “You don’t have to come all the way to Alappuzha. I will be around very much.”
With more questions coming in from journalist, Achuthananan stood up and with a broad smile said thrice;good bye, good bye, good bye.” If yesterday the general secretary referred to him as Kerala’s Fidel Castro, on Saturday he assigned the role of sentinel for himself.”
