With the state party unit seeking his exit, Karat had proposed Achuthanandan’s removal from the Chief Minister’s post. However, following stiff opposition from several members, it was decided that Achuthanandan would be allowed to continue as CM but would be dropped from the Politburo. The central committee accepted this decision.

Sources said the decision to let off Vijayan without any action was questioned by some members of the central committee but the majority went along with the Politburo’s views. It is also learnt that the Kerala state secretariat, packed with Vijayan loyalists now, could be revamped soon to accommodate some VS supporters.

While the party did away with its customary press conference addressed by the general secretary, it issued a statement saying “the central committee has decided that in view of the violations of the organisational principle and discipline by V S Achuthanandan, he should be removed” from the Politburo.

Allowing him to continue as Chief Minister, it said “Achuthanandan is the senior most leader who has made a big contribution to the party in Kerala”, adding that the central committee expects VS “to fulfill his responsibilities as the Chief Minister and as a leader of the party.”

“The central committee is of the view that Pinarayi Vijayan, secretary of the Kerala State Committee and the Electricity Minister in the then LDF government between 1996-98, was not involved in any corrupt practice whatsoever. The central committee reiterated that the party will fight the case politically and legally,” said the statement.

... contd.