V S Achuthanandan, who led the Left Democratic Front to victory in the Kerala [Images] Assembly elections, arrives at the Communist Party of India (marxit) politburo meeting in New Delhi, on Saturday.

Achutanandan, who spearheaded the campaigning in the state, is likely to be the next chief minister of Kerala.

The veteran who overcame the odds

When he exited the meeting on Saturday afternoon, Achutanandan looked very pleased. However, he did not speak to the press, leaving that to general secretary Prakash Karat.

Photograph: Sondeep Shankar/ Saab Pictures