Thiruvananthapuram: With the exit polls predicting a clear victory for LDF, the CPM and state and central leaders are now gearing up to cross the next big hurdle of deciding the new chief minister. CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury and politburo member Prakash Karat will arrive in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday to attend the state secretariat and state committee meeting to review the results.
On Saturday, they will return to Delhi for the politburo meeting and the subsequent central committee meeting on May 22 and 23. In the event of LDF victory, these meetings are expected to reach a broader understanding on the chief minister and the list of probables for the new ministry.
The discussions could prolong only if the leadership fails to reach a consensus on the Chief Minister. CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury reiterated on Tuesday that the decision on chief minister would be taken after the declaration of results and everything would be decided amicably.
By fielding both Achuthanandan and Pinarayi, the party general secretary succeeded in avoiding controversies that surrounded the veteran’s candidature in 2006 and 2011. He could also send across a strong message to the electorate that the CPM state unit was united. So far so good.
But the real challenge lies ahead. Sources said a section of those close to Achuthanandan believe that it was time for the veteran leader to have a graceful exit from power politics and remain as an advisor. Whether Achuthanandan will pay heed to such advise is a million dollar question.
