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The CPI is facing rebellion over choice of its ministers in Kerala.
Senior leaders Mullakkara Ratnakaran and C. Divakaran protested against the party proposing four new faces for ministership in the LDF ministry. The proposed names are that of V. S. Sunil Kumar, P. Thilothaman, E. Chanddrasekharan and K. Raju
Mr. Ratnakaran threatened that he would quit all posts in the party in protest against the decision of the party executive against his inclusion in the ministry. Mr. Divakaran said that he would wait for his time before responding.
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The choice of former party State secretary Pinarai Vijayan as Chief Minister of Kerala would have been the only option before the CPI (M) under the given the circumstances, though it negates popular sentiment. However, voter support was indeed for veteran leader V. S. Achuthanandan.
At the same time, the people of Kerala were not satisfied with what a hyper-active Chief Minister like Oommen Chandy has delivered. So, the LDF will need an energetic man if it is to better Mr. Chandy.
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Veteran CPI (M) Leader V. S. Achuthanandan said on Saturday that he would continue to be guardian of public interest, upholding leftist views and public causes.
At a media conference here, the CPI (M) leader refused to be drawn into questions on his claim for Chief Ministership or his health, saying this was not an occasion to respond to such questions. He was there to say adieu as Opposition Leader.
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The CPI (M) named Pinarai Vijayan for the Chief Ministership of Kerala on Friday.
CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechuri told a media conference after a meeting of the State Secretariat and State Committee here that the party had taken a decision to propose Mr. Vijayan as the Chief Minister.
Noting that veteran leader V. S. Achuthanandan led the election campaign from the front, the general secretary said that Mr. Achuthanandan was not chosen to head the government considering his age and physical limitations.
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Thiruvananthapuram: The candidates list announced by Janata Dal (Secular) today leaves out sitting member Jose Thettayil. The former Minister will be replaced by Benny Munjeli (former chairman of Ankamali municipality) in Ankamali constituency.
The other candidates are: Chittoor- K. Krishnankutty, Kovalam- Jameela Prakasam, Thiruvalla-Mathew T. Thomas, Vadakara- C. K. Nanu.
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