Vijayan meets V S to cool tempers

Pinarayi Vijayan meets VS in a bid for peace, swearing-in ceremony would be held at the Central stadium on May 25 at 5 pm

It was meant to scotch the rumblings within and outside the CPI(M) or Communist Party of India (Marxist) about “V S”, ever since the party had officially declared his younger adversary Pinarayi Vijayan the chief minister designate, but the brief 10-minute press conference by V S Achuthanandan at his residence in Thiruvananthapuram, left more questions than answers. Without taking any questions, Achuthanandan read out from a prepared statement and only said that he would continue to “defend the people’s interests.”

Minutes before the eagerly awaited press conference, Vijayan landed up to meet the nonagenarian to “seek guidance” from him. Speaking to the media after stepping out, Vijayan said, "I met him because he is the last party leader among us who held the post of the chief minister and had practical knowledge. It can be said that I am a novice in terms of the administrative affairs of the government.”

It was a well-timed photo op, showing the veteran and his former protégé shaking hands.

Vijayan also told the media that the swearing-in ceremony would be held at the Central Stadium on May 25 at 5 pm. Speculation is rife that the morning visitor had dropped in to ensure that no fireworks take place at Achuthanandan’s press conference and to urge the veteran to moderate his reactions.

CPI(M) general-secretary Sitaram Yechury had described Achuthanandan as the Fidel Castro of Kerala, to blow off popular discontentment about Achuthanandan being sidelined for the chief minister’s post.

Reading out from a prepared statement, VS today said he would continue as “guard” of the party and “defend the people’s interests.” When persistent reporters questioned him on his supposedly failing health, he replied, “I am not going to go into all that now.” To the only other question that he fielded, what will you say to the people of Kerala who wanted to see you as chief minister, his cryptic reply was revealing, “I am not going to go into that.”    

On Friday, when Yechury conveyed to VS the party choice, the veteran reportedly dismissed the offer of being accommodated in a key post with Cabinet rank.   

For now the old war horse, is keeping his cards close to his chest; whether he will be content with this “advisor” role or whether there is more drama in store, remains to be seen.