THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Notwithstanding newly elected state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan repeated statements that no one is above party, the central leadership is keen to placate V S Achuthanandan who boycotted state conference in protest against secretariat circular.

The veteran leader has remained tight-lipped over his next move since February 21. Sources said veteran leader has been asked to refrain from any action that could precipitate the situation at least till March 20 politburo meet.

Most PB members are not in favour of any action against Achuthanandan. They believe the secretariat resolution which contained humiliating references, should have been avoided.

Even while indirectly criticising Achuthanandan’s defiance of party discipline and bargaining tactics, party general secretary Prakash Karat had termed the veteran leader as integral part of CPM.

Kodiyeri too had aired similar views indicating the party wanted “bygones be bygones.” Options before politburo; come out with a decision that is largely acceptable to both the parties.

Convince state leadership about the pointlessness of clinging to harshly worded resolution that was released following the leak of Achuthanandan’s letter to central leadership.

The central leadership might also try to obtain regret from VS for publicly challenging Pinarayi Vijayan on the eve of conference and for boycotting the meet. In the past central leadership had forced Achuthanandan to publicly feel sorry for TPC house visit, Kudankulam stand and Dange statement.

Sources close to VS say that quitting party is the last thing on his mind. A hardcore party men, he wants to continue in the party as a corrective force. Meanwhile, Achuthanandan stayed away from state committee meeting despite request from Kodiyeri to take part in his capacity as central committee member.

The meeting presided over by Pinarayi Vijayan, decided to observe protest across the state against fuel price hike. Torch light demonstration will be held at branch level on March 3 and protests outside petrol bunks on March 4.