Deputy Opposition Leader row: CPI seeks national leadership intervention as CPM avoids public comments

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM has decided to avoid any further public comments on the dispute over the Deputy Opposition Leader's post after Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan's remarks drew a strong reaction from the CPI. Although the CPM is unhappy with CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam's statement on the matter, the party has decided not to respond. The issue will be discussed at the next CPM state secretariat meeting.

The CPI is hopeful of a favourable outcome after its national leadership intervened in the matter. The party will also convey its displeasure over Pinarayi Vijayan's remarks to the LDF leadership. As the Onam holidays are underway, the CPM state secretariat will not meet today. Since the party's extended committee meeting is scheduled from September 13, bilateral discussions on the issue are likely to take place only after September 15.

The CPI plans to raise its protest over Pinarayi Vijayan's remarks with the LDF leadership. CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam is expected to speak with LDF convener T.P. Ramakrishnan. The idea of holding bilateral talks was put forward by the front leadership. The CPI is also expected to inform the leadership that it may have to take a stronger stand if the issue is not resolved.

The CPI national leadership has assured the state unit that it will discuss the issue with the CPM leadership. The state leadership has made it clear to the national leadership that it cannot back down from its demand. The national leadership has also been informed about the state council's position that stronger action may be required.

The CPI secretariat meeting scheduled for September 10 will discuss the Deputy Opposition Leader's post and Pinarayi Vijayan's remarks. The party hopes that the national leaderships of the two parties will hold discussions and reach an understanding in the meantime.

Coalition partners must be given due consideration: D Raja

CPI general secretary D Raja has criticised Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan over the dispute surrounding the Deputy Opposition Leader's post. He said the CPI's demand for the post was completely justified and called on Pinarayi Vijayan, a senior Left leader, to be more accommodating towards coalition partners.

Raja said Left unity sends an important message to the country. He added that he would hold further discussions with CPM state secretary M.V. Govindan if necessary.

Raja also urged Pinarayi Vijayan to avoid making public statements on the issue. Pinarayi had earlier said that the Deputy Opposition Leader's post belonged to the CPM and that the name of a CPM leader would be submitted to the Speaker.

CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam had also opposed Pinarayi's remarks. The CPI plans to complain to the LDF convener over Pinarayi's public stand on an issue that, according to the party, should be resolved through bilateral discussions.