CPM likely to drop VS from Politburo

It is learnt that the Politburo has come to a view that there need not be any change in the party stand that the SNC Lavalin graft case involving Vijayan was politically motivated as there is no evidence to prove that he has derived any pecuniary benefit by entering into the contract. Achuthanandan has also failed to give any document to prove his charge.

The CPM had in 2007 suspended both Achuthanandan and Vijayan from the Politburo for their public spat only to take them back three months later. Achuthanandan is one of the 32 members who walked out of the CPI National Council to form the CPM in 1964. The party feels that removing him from the CMs post would harm the CPM because of the huge popularity he enjoys in the state.

Sources,however,said there were strong differences in the party over punishing the Kerala Chief Minister alone as many members argue that Vijayan is equally responsible for the infighting in the state. After the first day of the Central Committee,many members said the decision to be taken would be a balanced one,indicating that there might be some action against Vijayan too.

It is learnt that in the Politburo,party general secretary Prakash Karat suggested that Achuthanandan should be removed from the CMs post,but several members,including West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee,opposed the idea. Their argument was that if Achuthanandan was removed,then Vijayan too should be asked to step down.

With differences prevailing,an understanding was reached that Achuthanandan should be allowed to continue as CM. Though the Politburo has suggested no action against Vijayan,the Central Committee could discuss on Sunday whether any action is needed against the Kerala unit secretary.

With the top leadership deciding against reviewing the stand on the Lavalin issue,action against Vijayan,if taken,would be for organisational lapses,including his failure to keep the party united and abetting factionalism.