Why discuss a non-existent issue? Pinarayi sharpens tone on Deputy Opposition leader’s post

Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday reacted sharply to questions about the Deputy Opposition Leader post, dismissing it as a "non-existent issue" and asking why it was being discussed at all.

Questioning the basis of the debate, Pinarayi asked whether such an issue had ever arisen in Kerala's political history.

He said his position on the matter remained unchanged and questioned who was expected to make a compromise. Pinarayi also said he would meet CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam again for further discussions, adding that there was no issue with holding talks.

Earlier in the day, Binoy Viswam had said the CPI was not insisting on the Deputy Opposition Leader post. However, he maintained that attempting to resolve differences within the LDF through voting was not a healthy practice.

"The doors of the CPI will always remain open for discussions. We will not blame the CPM; they are our closest ally, and we are fully aware of that. It is not healthy to try to resolve issues within the LDF through voting. We will not consider anyone an adversary simply for stating their position. Political issues should be resolved politically," Binoy Viswam told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram.

A few days earlier, while speaking to reporters in Kannur, Pinarayi had said the issue of the Deputy Opposition Leader post was over. However, when reminded that CPI General Secretary D. Raja had recently said there would be no compromise on the post, the Opposition Leader responded in a sharper tone.

"What compromise is required here? Has such an issue ever arisen in Kerala? If you are asking me to discuss a non-existent issue, what is there to discuss?" he said.

Pinarayi reiterated that he would meet Binoy Viswam again for discussions, adding that there was no difficulty in holding further talks.