“His policies and programmes were always grounded well within the policies and programmes of the CPI (M). Only once did he express an opinion different from that of the party, perhaps because he really believed a communist Prime Minister could make a difference in India. Some people supported him. But the majority in the party believed that it would be a mistake to accept the offer of prime ministership if the party did not have a crucial influence in that government.” - V.S. Achuthanandan, Kerala Chief Minister.