Honest broker

A delegation of CPI(M) leaders from Kerala, led by the chief minister VS Achutanandan, went to meet the Prime Minister to protest against the proposed Asean FTA — they argued it would spell the death of cash crops in the state. Sitaram Yechury was drafted to accompany them, not just for his knowledge of economics but also for his good communication skills. It appears Yechury is trusted by the rival camps in the Kerala CPI(M) — that of the chief minister and the other led by state party chief Penarayi Vijayan – and his presence was vital to ensure there was no fight en route to the Prime Minister’s office.