Thiruvananthapuram, April 10: CPM general secretary Prakash Karat today tried to deflect criticism that V.S. Achutanandan’s exclusion from the politburo was “deliberate”, amid allegations that the popular octogenarian leader was shut out because of simmering faction rivalry within the party.

Karat, who was handed the reins for a third term at the just-concluded party congress in Kozhikode, said the CPM had “taken into account… the factor that older, senior comrades must also be relieved to bring in new cadres and leaders”.

The comments, to a vernacular television channel, came on a day a text message lampooned the CPM’s decision to turn its back on the 88-year-old VS, as the former Kerala chief minister is referred to.

“Hollywood plans Malayalam version of ‘Baby’s Day Out’ and ‘No Country For Old Men’ — overseas rights might go to a party attached to a channel,” read the SMS, which did the rounds in Kerala.

The allusion was to the party-backed channel Kairali TV, though the intended dig appeared to be a taunt at the state of the CPM.

Karat chose a “safe” line on Achutanandan’s decision to stay away from the public meeting yesterday that marked the end of the party congress.

Asked about reports that said Achutanandan was upset at not being retained in the politburo, Karat said: “I have not discussed this with VS, so I can’t really say why he was not there. I think people expected him there, a large number of people had turned up, but I can’t really say why (VS did not come) because I didn’t have a chance to speak to him.”

Critics said the move to keep VS out was prompted by the overbearing influence of the rival faction led by CPM Kerala secretary Pinarayi Vijayan, whose supporters dominate 13 of the 14 district committees.

Although the veteran leader was retained in the central committee, Karat’s words made it clear he had been allowed a “special concession”.

“One or two comrades who were older like VS were retained, but most of the others were relieved,” the general secretary said.