ALAPPUZHA: The first day of the 21st state conference of the CPM went off uneventfully without any noticeable fallout of the open confrontation between veteran V.S. Achuthanandan and state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan with both avoiding each other at the functions. Most of the delegates seemed to have ignored VS who was seen sitting alone at the venue of the delegates meet.

Politburo member Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, during his press briefing, defended Mr Pinarayi Vijayan saying his statement on Thursday rejecting the alternative draft of VS was the stand of the party. Mr G. Sudhakaran, in his welcome speech at the inaugural function, also praised Mr Vijayan, who received thunderous applause from the delegates.

Mr Kodieri’s comment will prompt the delegates to pounce on VS, who enjoys only a marginal support from among 600 delegates. All eyes are now on the next of VS to counter Mr Vijayan.

VS, who is a fitness freak, followed his daily routine on Friday when he took a long walk to the Alappuzha beach at 5.30 a.m. VS reached P. Krishna Pillai Nagar around 9.30 a.m. and sat alone inside the auditorium before attending the flag-hoisting ceremony.

At the inaugural function, VS sat close to Mr Kodiyeri Balakrishnan while Mr Pinarayi Vijayan sat next to his right hand man E.P. Jayarajan.