CPI in Kerala reiterates claim for Deputy Leader of Opposition post
Binoy Viswam | Photo Credit: File
Amid continuing uncertainty over his claim to the Deputy Leader of Opposition post, the Communist Party of India (CPI) has reiterated that it will not back down from its demand.
CPI External Affairs Minister Binoy Viswam said while talking to media persons in Kottayam on Tuesday. He added that the position rightfully belongs to the party and that talks and consultations have already been held with the Communist Party of India (Marxist). [CPI(M)] additionally. He said more meetings could be held if necessary to examine the issue in detail. Mr. Viswam was in Kottayam to attend the party’s district executive and district council meetings to evaluate the results of the recent elections.
Referring to the electoral setback suffered by his party, he said the CPI would undertake a detailed review of its performance, including the defeat in Vaikom, during the two-day deliberations. He added that there would be no attempt to reframe election losses as victories through statistical arguments.
Mr. Viswam also said that the CPI had no objection to the statements made by the United Democratic Front (UDF) government after the first Cabinet meeting, but underlined the need for clarity on their implementation.
Detailed review
CPI State Executive Committee member P. Prasad said the party did not agree with the argument of the Kerala Congress (M) that widespread cross-voting by the CPI(M) cadre led to the defeat. He added that the election results from Vaikom and other constituencies will be subject to detailed scrutiny.
After the completion of the district-level meetings, the Council of State and the State Government will meet to evaluate the election performance. “Necessary corrections will be made in a transparent and understandable manner for both the party and the public,” he said.
Meanwhile, party sources said the CPI district council meeting witnessed harsh criticism over the party’s defeat in Vaikom, long considered a Left Front stronghold. Criticism was also reportedly directed at the performance of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front government. Criticism was also leveled at the CPI Secretary of State for portraying the party as weak and directionless in the public arena.
It was published – 19 May 2026 19:03 IST
