The CPI-M ministers in Kerala Chief Minister-designate Pinarayi Vijayan’s cabinet ministers were named without much problem, but the process was more hard in the CPI and two other constituents of the Left Democratic Front.
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Asked if he would be the state’s new chief minister, Vijayan told NDTV channel in Kannur: “That will be decided by the party (CPI-M) and the LDF (Left Democratic Front)”.
“VS Achuthanandan and Vijayan played a big role in this election”.
CPI (M) veteran V.S. Achutanandan, who was also in the race for the post, was called to the headquarters and informed about the decision.
Pinarayi Vijayan would be the leader of LDF legislature party.Vijayan is the only CPM politburo member who is also a member of the Kerala assembly.
Addressing a press conference, Mr Achuthanandan, who is Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing assembly and a former Chief Minister, said he would continue to stay on here and had no plans of shifting to his home in Alapuzha. “The election results show that people expect the LDF government not to resort to the style of UDF”, said Achuthanandan, in a veiled warning to his party. “Comrade VS is like Fidel Castro to Kerala”.
In contrast, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy looked gloomy although he himself was on the winning track in Puthupally constituency. He will be administered the oath of office and secrecy along with his council of ministers, the BJP said. VS Achuthanandan was a brand name in the state and a mass leader, but a few of his actions were considered to be disruptive by the party. If he wins, he will be the first BJP member to enter the Kerala assembly.
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Before taking questions from the media, Achuthanandan read from a printed statement, thanking voters for the overwhelming victory of the Left Democratic Front (LDF). However, only 34% of elected MLAs in West Bengal are crorepatis, while in Kerala it is 44%.
