Thiruvananthapuram Aug 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan has rejected the Communist Party of India’s (CPI) demand, raised by its state Secretary Binoy Viswam, for the post of Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, further deepening differences between the two Left Democratic Front allies in the state.
The former Kerala Chief Minister’s categorical declaration effectively shuts the door on any further discussion with the CPI over the post, which the LDF constituent has been openly claiming as its share.
Viswam had repeatedly argued that the existing convention under which the Communist Party of India (Marxist) holds both the Leader and Deputy Leader posts should be changed.
Asked whether the person he would nominate as Deputy Leader would belong to the CPI (M) or the CPI, Vijayan gave an unequivocal reply, “What is there to be so doubtful about? It will be a CPI (M) member.”
He said the formal communication naming the Deputy Leader would be sent to the Speaker shortly.
The move is expected to pave the way for CPI (M) state secretariat member and former Finance Minister K N Balagopal to occupy the post.
Vijayan’s position assumes significance because the CPI had been insisting that the Deputy Leader’s post should go to its nominee.
The party had argued that, as the second-largest constituent of the LDF, it deserved a greater role in the Opposition leadership.
The dispute had already strained relations between the two Communist parties, with the CPI refusing to abandon its claim even after Vijayan had earlier indicated that the matter was closed.
The latest statement, however, marks a decisive escalation, with Vijayan making it clear that the CPI (M) will retain the post irrespective of the CPI’s demand.
Vijayan justified the position by pointing to the Speaker’s view that it was the Leader of the Opposition who had the responsibility of informing the Speaker about the Deputy Leader.
The CPI’s claim had not been a sudden development.
Viswam had publicly demanded argued that there was no compulsion for both posts to be held by the same party and that established conventions could be changed.
The CPI (M)’s decision to nominate Balagopal therefore amounts to a direct rejection of the CPI’s demand and could deepen the friction within the LDF at a particularly sensitive time, with the Opposition preparing to take on the UDF government in the Assembly.
For the CPI, the immediate question is whether it will accept Vijayan’s unilateral declaration or mount a fresh political challenge.
What began as a dispute over a post has now become a test of the balance of power between the two principal Communist parties in Kerala.
Meanwhile, the CPI is considering to sit as a separate block in the floor of the assembly.
In the 140 member Kerala Assembly, the Left has 35 seats which includes 26 for the CPI-M, eight for the CPI and one seat for Rashtriya Janata Dal.
Source: IANS
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