Thiruvananthapuram, March 22 (IANS) Veteran CPI-M leader V.S. Achuthanandan appears to be rebuilding bridges with his colleagues, giving his party a clean chit in the sensational murder of a Left leader.
Achuthanandan, who as late as February this year, had supported a demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the murder of Left leader T.P. Chandrasekharan (three CPI-M leaders were among those arrested for the murder), told reporters Saturday that the murder case was no longer the biggest issue of the times.
"The biggest issue today is price rise and not the T.P. Chandrasekharan murder case. I fail to understand why a section of the media is trying to rake up the murder case again and again," said Achuthanandan, asking the media not to play up this issue.
The former chief minister was speaking to reporters during an election-related talk show organized here.
"Today, the sad thing is that those who had to provide security for Chandrasekharan appear to be the ones most grieved. If they (the incumbent Oommen Chandy government) had given him the security that he had asked for, this murder would not have happened," Achuthanandan said.
He also ridiculed Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, who was home minister when the gruesome murder occurred, for literally cashing in on Chandrasekharan's murder.
"Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan even made money by penning a book on TP. I have never made anything out of this murder," said Achuthanandan.
Chandrasekharan, 51, who launched the Revolutionary Marxist Party after a squabble with the CPI-M, was stabbed 51 times by assailants May 4, 2012 when he was returning home on his motorcycle.
Earlier this year, a trial court sentenced 11 accused to life imprisonment. They included three CPI-M district level leaders.
Soon after the murder, Achuthanandan had spoken out harshly against state party secretary Pinnarayi Vijayan. The bitterness between the slain leader and the CPI-M leadership was such that the former chief minister was the only top leader who paid his last respects to Chandrasekharan.
But the biggest shocker came during a crucial by-election in the state capital last year, when Achuthanandan on the campaign trail, reached Chandrasekharan's house. The slain leader's widow Rema broke down on seeing him and Achuthanandan was seen comforting her in public.
Asked now whether his volte face will leave Rema crestfallen, the veteran Communist leader did not answer. When the reporter persisted with the query, he shot back: "I have already given my opinion in this case," effectively dodging the question.
He also rejected media reports that the reason behind his sudden change of stance and toeing the party line was because of a possible re-entry into the CPI-M politburo.
"I started my life as a Communist at the age of 17, way back in 1940. I have come this far and have undergone severe trials and tribulations but have never gone after posts and positions," said the 90-year-old veteran.
Chandrasekharan's widow, however, thinks differently.
"He did this now bowing to pressure from his party. His conscience will not accept the present stand that he has taken. He will have to change his position again," Rema told reporters.
Fuel: It is difficult to live with inflation, in three months the price of petrol and diesel to CNG increased by 10 to 33 percent
Petrol, diesel, and CNG prices are on the rise every day. Due to this, the common man is getting trapped all-around in the web of inflation. It is being hit from the kitchen to the journey as well.
Angry Workers vandalise Factories in Gurgaon
Gurgaon, Feb 12 (IANS) An angry mob of 5,000 workers Thursday vandalised offices of more than a dozen factories in Udyog Vihar area here, police said.The irate mob rampaged through reception areas
Himachal CM orders probe into bridge collapse
Shimla, March 19 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Thursday ordered a high-level inquiry into the collapse of a crucial bridge in the Lahaul Valley, located on the
TANCET 2023 Result Out: Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test result released, download like this
TANCET 2023 Result Out: Anna University, Chennai has released the Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test (TANCET) 2023 Result on its official website. Candidates who appeared in the TANCET 2023 exam can
India needs to be energy independent to serve people's need: Modi
New Delhi, March 27 (IANS) Stressing on energy security, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India will have to be independent in this area and seek new avenues to replenish existing
Top Medical Colleges: If you want to become a doctor then know, these are the top 10 medical colleges in the country
Top 10 Medical Colleges in India: Every year lakhs of students try their luck in the NEET entrance exam to get admission to undergraduate medical courses in the country. The competition in the
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's government denied the news of negotiating with Taliban, said - there will be no compromise with security
Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Thursday categorically denied reports of any agreement with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The government asked the Taliban leadership to withdraw its
Upbeat AAP Readies for Celebrations
New Delhi, Feb 9 (IANS) They smell victory and are ready for a carnival. Preparations are in full swing Monday outside the AAP headquarters in central Delhi.Expecting to return to power again as
China agrees to help Pakistan, sanctioned a loan of $ 70 million; You can get money by next week
His evergreen friend China has come forward to help Pakistan, facing an economic crisis. He has approved a loan of $ 70 million. Pakistan Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has reported the approval of the
Ajmer Dargah case: 'The direction of the Places of Worship Act will be decided by the Centre's stand', the committee demanded the dismissal of the case.
In the context of the increasing cases of temple-mosque disputes in different parts of the country, the remarks of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat have intensified the political stir. After Bhagwat's remarks,
