Thiruvananthapuram: CPI-M politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan has been chosen as next Chief Minister of Kerala, a day after the marxist party-led LDF romped home to power in the Assembly polls, according to reports.
The CPI-M secretariat and party’s Kerala committee met here today in the presence of General Secretary Sitaram Yechury.
CPI-M veteran V S Achuthanandan and party politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan, both of whom were elected to the Assembly, were being considered for the top slot. The meeting assumed significance as it had to choose one among them.
In the 140-member state Assembly, CPI-M-led LDF won 91 seats, UDF headed by Congress 47, BJP and Independents, one each.
Chandy resigns
Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today resigned from the post following the defeat of Congress-led UDF in the Assembly election.
Chandy drove to the Raj Bhavan this morning around 1030 hrs and submitted his resignation letter to Governor P Sathasivam.
He told reporters that UDF and Congress would be meeting next week to discuss the poll debacle and take stock of the situation.
UDF, which was trounced by CPI(M) headed LDF in the May 16 polls, bagged only 47 seats against the rival front’s 91.
“This is only a temporary phenomena and Congress will come back with strength,” 72-year-old Chandy said, adding, “the party and Front have the responsibility for the setback, but as chairman of UDF, I have more responsibility”.
On reports that he was not willing to take up the post of Leader of Opposition, he said, “It is a matter to be discussed at the party level. I have nothing more to say.”
Chandy said that he would be going to the state Secretariat to meet his office staff and other employees.
Chandy has the distinction of being the only Congress chief minister to have completed the five-year term in office.
(Agencies)
