Thiruvananthapuram: The dispute over the post of Deputy Opposition Leader has widened differences between the CPM and the CPI within the Left Democratic Front (LDF). The CPI state executive has decided to independently take up political issues and move forward on its own.

The CPI will organise a separate protest over the Vizhinjam port share transfer issue and will also actively campaign against the PM SHRI scheme. The party believes it cannot align with the CPM's position on either of these issues.

The CPI has also decided to boycott the LDF Parliamentary Party meeting. However, it has not decided to distance itself from the LDF or stay away from the coalition's meetings.

Acting on CPM's suggestion, LDF convener TP Ramakrishnan met CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam at the MN Memorial on Tuesday in an attempt to resolve the standoff. Ramakrishnan urged the CPI to allow more time and discussions before a decision is taken on the Deputy Leader's post and to continue cooperating with the front.

Binoy Viswam replied that the CPI was not adopting a policy of non-cooperation, but insisted that the issue of the Deputy Leader's post should be resolved first.

Viswam later briefed the CPI state executive on the discussions. The executive maintained that the party should not compromise unless it is given the Deputy Leader's post. The CPI's decision to launch an independent agitation over the Vizhinjam share transfer issue was also influenced by the CPM's stand that there was nothing wrong with the transfer.

Issue will be resolved

"The CPI has demanded the post of Deputy Leader of the Opposition, and the CPM has also made its position clear. Efforts are under way to resolve the issue through discussions."

— TP Ramakrishnan, LDF Convener

Discussions can continue

"The CPI and the CPM share the same political ideology. It is the perspective of the Left Democratic Front. Discussions are being held in that spirit."

— Binoy Viswam, CPI State Secretary