New Delhi: The CPI central leadership has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the prospect of Pinarayi Vijayan becoming the Leader of the Opposition (LoP). The party is firmly advocating for "new faces" to take over the leadership roles, a stance they intend to communicate to both the CPM and the CPI state unit.

Following the LDF’s unexpected debacle in the Assembly elections, the CPI, a key ally in the front, appears to be placing the accountability squarely on the shoulders of Pinarayi Vijayan. The central leadership noted that the front never anticipated such a massive setback.

The CPI argues that the "old style of functioning" has caused public disillusionment and insists that the leadership must evolve to suit modern political challenges. They have hinted that they will not accept a unilateral decision by the CPM regarding the selection of the LoP. While the post remains with the CPM as the largest party, the CPI is pushing for a fresh candidate to be appointed.

Furthermore, the CPI leadership has asserted their claim to the Deputy Leader of the Opposition post. Party insiders believe that as the head of the previous government, Pinarayi Vijayan's failure to gauge public sentiment was a primary cause of the defeat. Consequently, they fear that his presence as LoP could hinder the front’s ability to stage a political comeback.

This rigid stance from the CPI is set to trigger intense debates within the LDF in the coming days, potentially impacting the front's strategy for upcoming local body elections and by-elections.