CPI-M cracks the whip on Kerala CM

Kerala Chief Minister and senior Communist Party of India - Marxist leader V S Achuthanandan will be removed from the party's politburo and the central committee, said sources in New Delhi. The octogenarian leader, who is currently in New Delhi, will leave for Kerala early on Sunday morning, said sources.

Though some leaders from West Bengal had voiced their support for Achuthanandan, who has openly defied the party on certain issues, CPI-M general secretary Prakash Karat remained firm on taking action against the Kerala CM.

Sources in the CPI-M close to the veteran leader told rediff.com that there are only two options left for Achuthanandan. He can either continue in his post, in spite of the rebukes from his opponents within the party,who had schemed to oust him, or resign from the CM's post and continue working for the CPI-M.

According to a senior member of the CPI-M, who attended the central committee meeting in Delhi, Achuthanandan came under attack from leaders of his own state.

CPI-M's decision on the Kerala CM is expected to be announced on Sunday.