PB recommends Cabinet rank for Achuthanandan

New Delhi: The Polit Bureau of CPI (M) has suggested that veteran leader V. S. Achuthanandan should be given a position with Cabinet rank.

Mr. Achuthanandan was the Opposition Leader with Cabinet rank till the new government took over. The new position will enable him to have the same rank with accompanying facilities including official residence and personal staff.

A final decision on the position will be taken after discussion at the State Secretariat and Cabinet. Mr. Achuthanandan will not have to report to Chief Minister but he will only have an advisory role.

Mr. Achuthanandan had sought chairmanship of LDF also. However, the polit bureau did not consider that demand.

There will also be no immediate decision on his induction into the State Secretariat of the party. However, the polit bureau commission, which had been looking into complaints of factionalism against him, would soon be wound up. This may pave way for his induction into State Secretariat, reports from Delhi indicated.