Response of VS a political game plan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM leader V S Achuthanandan’s quick response to the filing of an FIR against him in a case involving land assignment to one of his relatives by seeking party permission to resign as Opposition Leader is a perfect political game plan to outwit his detractors within and outside the party. His move was aimed at thwarting the government’s game plan as well as bringing another major target on his firing line, his bete noire in the party, Pinarayi Vijayan.By putting Pinarayi Vijayan once again on a slippery wicket at the time of the upcoming party state conference, VS, the party’s patriarch in the autumn of his political career, is once again trying to make a comeback.Political observers as well party watchers in the media are of the view that VS had no other option but to offer his resignation as it was the most natural act expected from a leader who has been prudently maintaining the image of crusader against corruption, mafia gangs and political bigwigs preying on hapless teenaged girls.“There is a clear political message in his decision. Something natural from a leader like VS. Nothing less than this can be expected from him,’’ says political commentator N M Pierson.He said VS seeking permission from the party central leadership would help discuss the issue threadbare at the state conference. It is certain that his strategy would be helpful for him to refurbish his image.  Pierson, however, said that it was sure that the party would not allow him to step own. "As many of the party leaders are facing corruption charges and caught in murky controversies involving moral turpitude they would not allow him to quit as Opposition Leader as it would force them to make them follow suit,’’ he said.He said that Pinarayi Vijayan was silent on the day when Vigilance director announced the decision to make VS accused. “Pinarayi Vijayan can maintain silence on the issue as a person. But being the secretary of the party, he should have made a statement during his speech at the Alappuzha district conference,’’ he said.A top CPM leader, who preferred anonymity, said that VS had taken a politically correct stand upholding his tradition of fighting corruption. However, he said, he would not think VS’s offer to resign was a ploy to corner Pinarayi Vijayan. He is of the view that it would not in any way affect Pinarayi Vijayan from getting elected for another term.