With the CPM removing him from the Politburo, all options left for Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan to keep afloat in party politics and take ahead his ideological struggle are strong enough to spell trouble for either the party or himself. At stake is his image of someone who has always fought corruption. In fact, the direction of CPM politics in the state and the chronic factionalism in the state unit now revolves around the next course of action taken by Achuthanandan.

If Achuthanandan completely accepts the party’s disciplinary action, he will have to remain a chastened CM who is loyal to the party. Then, in the coming days, he will have to express this obedience by silently accepting the party’s Right-wing deviations and giving clearance to several controversial projects moved by business houses close to the rival group. The official faction has complained that the CM is the main hurdle on the road to several investment projects.

Another option is to come out of the party and continue the fight against the Lavalin scam and the Right-wing deviations of the party. A section of followers and the rebels expelled from the party want Achuthanandan to come out and lead the parallel Left movement, which is desperately looking for a crowd-puller.

Achuthanandan’s immediate reaction that he accepts the central committee decision, but at the same time will continue his fight against corruption, indicates that the rebel within the Marxist veteran is alive. In that case, he may further provoke the party by opposing its line and not mind inviting another round of disciplinary action.

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