His three nominees in the state Cabinet -- S Sharma, M Vijayakumar and P K Gurudasan -- are the latest to join those toeing the line of party state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan on the Lavalin issue.

Sharma, who was considered the second in command in the VS group, now says the Lavalin case is politically motivated. Rubbing salt on the Chief Minister's wounds, he said the same in the presence of Achuthanandan at a function in Kochi. Even till a week back, Sharma had kept silent when asked about his views on the Lavalin issue. However, with the central command standing by Pinarayi, realisation is growing over which way the wind is blowing.

VS aide Vijayakumar has also called the CBI case against Pinarayi fabricated. In 2006, the same Vijayakumar had strongly argued for Achuthanandan when the party initially denied him an Assembly ticket. He had warned that the party would lose if Achuthanandan was not fielded.

On Monday, it was the turn of state secretariat member Gurudasan to cross over, saying problems in the party would be solved according to party programmes. The party is capable of settling the crisis, he said.

With the voices against the Achuthanandan line getting stronger ahead of a crucial Politburo meeting, the Pinarayi camp is rejoicing. Sharma's open dismissal of his mentor's line is even being seen as a step towards minimising the Lavalin damage caused to the CPI(M).