CPI divided over Deputy Opposition Leader post demand after election setback

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Differences of opinion have emerged in the CPI state executive meeting over the demand for the post of Deputy Opposition Leader. A section of leaders said the party should not turn an issue that only affects the CPI into a major political battle. They also warned against taking a rigid stand on the matter. The leaders said that the alliance should stand united at a time when it is facing setbacks. However, some leaders argued that there should be no compromise on the demand for the Deputy Opposition Leader position.

The review report presented at the executive meeting admitted that the party failed to identify the pro-UDF wave during the election. The report said anti-incumbency sentiment was one of the major reasons behind the defeat. It also pointed out failures in the government’s priority areas, which created dissatisfaction among people.

The report said issues such as pending payments by welfare fund boards and the government’s approach towards the ASHA workers’ protest turned people against the government. The confidence that development and welfare measures could overcome public anger also became a setback. The report noted that putting up boards featuring the Chief Minister’s image also affected the party negatively. At the same time, the review report said it was not right to blame individuals alone for the defeat.

The report also pointed out serious mistakes in candidate selection. The party suffered setbacks in the Chadayamangalam and Vaikom constituencies. It said C.K. Asha had a chance of winning in Vaikom. In Nadapuram, minority communities moved away from the LDF. The defeat in the Chathannoor constituency was described as unexpected. The executive meeting approved a warning against senior leader K.R. Chandramohan over his public statement demanding the dissolution of the state secretariat. However, leaders including C.N. Chandran and V.S. Sunilkumar expressed their disagreement with the decision.