CPM State Secretariat backs Pinarayi Vijayan for Leader of Opposition, fearing his exit would be seen as a political retreat.

Thiruvananthapuram: Pinarayi Vijayan is likely to become the Leader of the Opposition in the state. Reports indicate that he has received the unanimous support of the State Secretariat, with senior leaders, including Saji Cherian, K N Balagopal and P Rajeev backing the move. However, it is understood that an alternative will be considered if Vijayan himself expresses a lack of interest in the role.
The State Secretariat meeting, which commenced on Wednesday morning to discuss the selection of the Opposition Leader and other post-election matters, is still ongoing. Party leaders reached the consensus to persist with Pinarayi Vijayan following assessments that his departure from the leadership role could be interpreted as a "political retreat" and might deal a major blow to the party's morale.
In addition, there are reports that K N Balagopal is being considered for the position of Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Published: 06 May 2026, 07:03 pm IST
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