Finally, Politburo decides, VS in the CM seat

The Politburo met for less than three hours on Saturday and left the issue of composition of the state Cabinet to the CPIM8217;s Kerala unit.

After the meeting, CPIM general secretary Prakash Karat said at the moment there was no proposal on finding ways to accommodate the Muslim community in the light of the fact that the LDF has made significant inroads into Muslim League dominated areas.

The CPIM leader, who is known to be conservative on reform issues, stayed close to his image when he said later that he did not quite understand the obsession with development in West Bengal. He was also less forthcoming on pursuing corruption cases against partymen, saying he had no knowledge about CPIM politicians involved in sex scandals.

Achuthanandan did not dwell on the Politburo decision backing him for the CM8217;s post, but received Congress leader and former chief minister A K Anthony in Kerala House where he went after the Politburo meeting, the latter having gone there to congratulate the CPIM leader.