Kochi: A strong debate has emerged within the Communist Party of India (CPI) over its continued alignment with the Left Democratic Front (LDF), with some leaders reportedly demanding that the party leave the alliance and join the United Democratic Front (UDF).

The remarks were made during a CPI Ernakulam district council meeting convened to review election performance.

Participants at the meeting reportedly said that “there is no point in continuing like this in the Left Front” and suggested that aligning with the Congress-led UDF would be more beneficial for the party. They also pointed out that CPI has previously collaborated with the Congress, claiming such alliances had earlier yielded positive results.

The meeting witnessed sharp criticism of state leadership, including demands for the resignation of CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam. Critics described him as a “major failure” in organisational leadership, alleging that he lacked the ability to assert positions effectively.

In a further escalation of internal criticism, leaders also targeted Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, claiming he had become unpopular and that the public no longer wished to see him in the opposition leadership role either. Some members reportedly demanded his resignation as well.

The meeting also raised concerns over decision-making within the party, alleging that key decisions were being taken without consulting alliance partners and that CPI was failing to act as a corrective force within the Left Front.

Senior leaders referenced past party secretaries such as PK Vasudevan Nair, Veliyam Bhargavan, and CK Chandrappan, stating that earlier leadership had been more effective in openly expressing dissent and correcting the course of the party.

Allegations of electoral mismanagement were also discussed, with claims that candidate selection errors cost the party several seats. Some members estimated that at least six constituencies were lost due to flawed candidate choices.

The meeting further noted that a section of votes from the majority community had shifted towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Senior leaders P. Santhosh Kumar and Sathyan Mokeri attended the meeting representing the state secretariat.

The district executive meeting also saw criticism over alleged failures in policy implementation and electoral strategy, with leaders arguing that poor candidate selection in constituencies such as Muvattupuzha and North Paravur contributed to setbacks.