Thiruvananthapuram: The Communist Party of India (CPI) has intensified its demand for the post of Deputy Opposition Leader in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, with the party's state secretary, Binoy Viswam, asserting that the position rightfully belongs to them.

Binoy Viswam firmly rejected the idea that the request could be sidelined by citing convention, stating that the practice of a single party monopolising all key positions must come to an end. He further disclosed plans to meet Left Democratic Front (LDF) Convenor T.P. Ramakrishnan to discuss the matter.

"Politics outweighs convention"

Speaking on the party's stance, Binoy Viswam made it clear that the CPI expects a fair distribution of roles within the alliance.

"There is absolutely no doubt in our minds that the post of Deputy Opposition Leader belongs to the CPI. No one can evade this by citing past conventions. If conventions need to change, then they must change. Convention is not what matters most—politics matters, the LDF matters," Binoy Viswam stated.

He added that regardless of whether a position is major or minor, power-sharing is vital. "The CPI is pressing for the Deputy Opposition Leader post purely to strengthen the LDF," he maintained.

Also read: 'Who else but me': CPI blames Pinarayi-centric campaign and wrong candidates for Kerala poll flop

Escalating friction within the LDF

The CPI has been vocal about this demand since the conclusion of the recent elections. The party had previously insisted that a decision be reached before the Left front's parliamentary party meeting. To formalise the request, Binoy Viswam had also sent an official letter to CPM State Secretary, M.V. Govindan.

However, the CPM has maintained a different stance, arguing that the Deputy Opposition Leader post is not a formal official designation and therefore does not need to be allocated to the CPI. In fact, the CPM had already decided to appoint K.N. Balagopal to the role.

With the CPI steadfastly refusing to back down, its persistent demands are reportedly mounting considerable political pressure on the lead coalition partner, the CPM.