While today’s decision may seem like cracking the central whip, the even-handed treatment to both leaders—with every possibility that the Central Committee will revoke the suspensions next month—could end up escalating the crisis and further eroding the authority of the central leadership.

What’s fight about

• Seems ideological — VS, the Marxist vs Vijayan, the reformist — but is as much a power struggle

• VS popular with masses, Vijayan controls party machinery

• Turf war began in 1990s when VS purged Vijayan’s men; 2005 was payback time, Vijayan stalled induction into state secretariat of 12 VS men

• In run-up to Assembly polls last year, Vijayan got VS’s name scrapped. After protests, VS became CM, Vijayan packed Cabinet with his men

What’s new

• VS cracked down on illegal encroachments in Munnar

• Vijayan, preparing to seek second term as party unit chief, claimed glory belonged to party, not individual; said media coverage contrived. VS accused rival of manipulating media.

And Bosses in Delhi?

• Central leadership wrung hands, took no action

• Now authority at stake, had to reprimand both

What next

• No replacements so both stay

• Tough for VS to run Govt, battle-lines may harden