Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 1 (IANS): The CPI-M Thursday began its next round of district level meetings to ultimately elect a successor to its powerful state secretary, Pinarayi Vijayan.

The meetings will elect 14 district secretaries of the Communist Party of India-Marxist's state unit.

Over the past decade, the CPI-M in Kerala has been divided between Vijayan, who commands majority support, and former chief minister V.S. Achuthanandan.

Vijayan and five district secretaries have to bow out this year in line with party rules.

The 91-year-old Achuthanandan said the other day that he will be in the forefront of the party until his death, indicating that he is prepared to take on his rival Vijayan.

On Thursday, both Achuthanandan and Vijayan arrived to take part in the district meeting of their party at Alappuzha.

Members of the district units will elect a new 84-member state committee.

If the present scenario in the party is taken into account, Vijayan could well handpick his chosen men.