Won't campaign in Aruvikara by-poll, says Achuthanandan

Former chief minister V.S. Achuthanandan said on Monday that he will not campaign for the June 27 Aruvikara by-election to the state assembly, unless asked by the central leadership of the party.

CPI-M candidate M. Vijayakumar has denied any rift within the party over the poll.

Achuthanandan is apparently miffed at the invitation for the first LDF election convention not carrying his name. The invitation for convention, beginning on Wednesday at Aruvikara, was issued on Sunday.

The convention is being inaugurated by CPI-M state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.

Incidentally, Achuthanandan presided over the meeting of the LDF on Sunday called to discuss the preparation for the campaign for the by-poll.

The Aruvikara campaign is being overseen by politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan, who is the arch rival of Achuthanandan and their relation has gone from bad to worse. This resulted in the former chief minister walking out of the state party conference that was held at Alappuzha in February.

The meet also saw Achuthanandan being dropped from the state committee of the party for the first time since the party was formed in 1964.