THE CPI (M) has kept the red flag flying only in Kerala. It has struck a balance in the State organisation. Pinarayi Vijayan (72) has confirmed his position as the next CM of the LDF government. But party general secretary Sitaram Yechuri has made it clear that 92 year old veteran V.S Achuthanandan who steered the election campaign will be the “Fidel Castro” of Kerala advising and guarding the party. Of course, because of his age, health and physical limitations, he cannot be leader of the LDF legislative party. It was not clear for some time if Achuthanandan will be satisfied with the role of elder statesman. But finally the nonagenarian has agreed to be a sentinel of the people. For nearly five decades, since the 1960s V.S Achuthanandan has been steeped in politics. He rose to the position of state chief in 1980.
In the 1990s, he went deep into the labyrinth of governance. At that stage, he seemed to lack a mass base. But soon enough as he turned 70 he made himself a leader of the people. He established himself as a fighter against corruption and a campaigner for environmental issues. He sometimes deviated from the party line but did not lose his grip on the party. Vijayan is known to be an able administrator but he would do well to be guided by a veteran like Achuthanandan. Party general secretary Sitaram Yechury an congratulate himself on achieving a coup in Kerala and straightening out internal problems of the party though the CPI (M) had a severe defeat in West Bengal.
