While UDF delays Kerala CM name, LDF faces CPI-CPM tussle over Deputy Leader of Opposition post

Thiruvananthapuram: Even before the dust settles on the Left Democratic Front’s (LDF) heavy electoral defeat in Kerala, fault lines have emerged within the alliance. Tensions between the Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) are now spilling into the open, with the dispute over the post of Deputy Leader of the Opposition at the centre.

What initially appeared to be an internal disagreement has widened into a contest over political space, relevance and influence within the Left camp after its fall from power.

The immediate trigger came after CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam publicly demanded that the Deputy Leader of the Opposition’s post be allotted to the CPI. The statement reportedly angered the CPM. T.P. Ramakrishnan responded that such issues should be discussed within alliance meetings and not in the media.

CPI criticism and internal assessment

The CPI is learnt to have taken a critical view in its internal post-election assessment, directly blaming Pinarayi Vijayan’s style of functioning and governance for the LDF’s defeat.

This marks an unusually blunt assessment from within an alliance partner, and the criticism is now being reflected in the renewed push over Opposition positions.

The CPI argues that the electoral setback requires course correction and greater accommodation within the alliance structure. The CPM, however, is reported to be reluctant to cede space, particularly in key Assembly roles.

Longstanding tensions resurface after defeat

The latest confrontation is unfolding against a backdrop of earlier friction during the LDF’s decade-long rule under Pinarayi Vijayan. The CPI had, on at least two major occasions, forced the Chief Minister to soften or recalibrate positions, despite remaining the junior partner.

After the alliance’s defeat, the relationship has entered a more strained phase.

The LDF ended with 35 seats, down from 99 in the 140-member Assembly. Political observers are now tracking whether long-standing internal contradictions are becoming more visible after years in power.

At the same time, the United Democratic Front (UDF), led by Congress, secured 102 seats in the recently concluded elections. Despite the decisive majority, the UDF has not yet finalised its Chief Minister candidate, drawing criticism from opposition parties over the delay in naming a leader for the state.