The ruling CPM of Kerala -- its leaders known for championing austerity -- has rented space at a 5-Star hotel for its first ever Central Committee meeting in Thiruvananthapuram, which begins on Friday. Under attack from the opposition UDF, Politburo members sound defensive, saying it is turning out to be cheaper than the other options.The top CPM leaders from across India -- including Prakash Karat and Sitaram Yechury -- will stay at Hycinth, located just 2 km from the AKG Centre, the party headquarters.
