CPM likely to retain Pinarayi

Going by the mood of the three-day debate, the hardliners will have to make a climbdown from their original agenda. Contrary to their claims that they would replace Pinarayi and take over the reins after the meet, the Achuthanandan camp may narrow its agenda to the minimum demand of denying a berth to Dr Thomas Isaac and P. Sasi in the panel. The Achuthanandan camp is also expected to stake a claim to the 11 posts vacant in the panel.

According to feedback, Achuthanandan failed to maintain the tally he had secured at the district committee elections. The three-day discussions brought to light the cracks in his camp which was under the impression that Politburo member Prakash Karat would emerge as its saviour at the meet. But Karat’s repeated warning that partymen would not be permitted to misuse the meet to carry out their personal agenda belied their hopes.

But Achuthanandan is expected to submit half a dozen names for the new panel. Meanwhile, the other camp is playing cautious. Its tactic is to portray Achuthanandan as a rebel leader, and it is expected to present the existing panel without much changes.