CPI(M) leaders meet to decide on next CM

The CPI-M secretariat and party's Kerala committee met here today in the presence of General Secretary Sitaram Yechury to decide the Chief Ministerial candidate, a day after the marxist party-led LDF romped home to power in the Assembly polls.
92-year CPI-M veteran V S Achuthanandan and party politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan, both of whom were elected to the Assembly, are being considered for the top slot. The meeting assumes significance as it has to choose one among them.
The dice seems loaded in favour of 72-year-old Vijayan as he is the only politburo member who has been elected to the Assembly this time. The state committee also favours Vijayan for the top post due to his good administrative skill.

Considering the popularity and seniority of Achuthanandan who had led the LDF campaign, there were reports that the party was likely to accommodate the veteran in the government by providing him with an alternative top post.
Vijayan, who arrived here from his home constituency Pinarayi this morning, was given a rousing welcome at the railway station.
Talking to reporters, Vijayan said a decision on the chief ministership would be taken in two-three days time.
Vijayan also maintained that BJP succeeded in opening its account in the state due to Congress' support.
In the 140-member state Assembly, CPI-M-led LDF won 91 seats, UDF headed by Congress 47, BJP and Independents, one each.