Thiruvananthapuram: Despite getting a green signal from CPM politburo and state secretariat on granting a suitable position to party veteran V. S. Achuthanandan, the Cabinet on Wednesday did not take any decision on the issue.
Sources said the Cabinet felt the matter need to be discussed in the LDF State committee. While CPM politburo, CPM state secretariat had reached an understanding on granting Cabinet level post to the veteran leader, the government wants to elicit the opinion of LDF constituents to ensure everyone is on board.
The matter was discussed in CPM politburo, which gave the go ahead for offering a suitable position with Cabinet rank to Achuthanandan who played a key role in the huge victory of the LDF. The politburo however did not take any formal decision on the issue.
CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury had stated that the final decision on granting post to Achuthanandan had to be taken by the Cabinet. Even on the question of giving LDF chairman position, a section of CPM leaders felt the decision cannot be taken unilaterally and the front constituents had to be taken along.
The LDF will have to consider various options including Cabinet post with independent charge so that he does not have to report to the chief minister. There are reports that the veteran is also being considered for the post of chairman Administrative Reforms Commission, a post held by top leaders including E. M. S. Namboodiripad and E. K. Nayanar. However, the veteran leader categorically refuted the reports regarding ARC.
The CPM leadership also wants to ensure that Achuthanandan’s post does not lead to two power centres in the government.
