'CPI-CPM dispute rupturing LDF unity'; Kerala Congress leader Jose K Mani responds

THRISSUR: Kerala Congress leader Jose K Mani said that the CPM-CPI dispute over the post of Deputy Leader of the Opposition is affecting the unity of the Left Front. Binoy Viswam, who suggested the problem be solved through discussions, reminded that the CPI is staying in the LDF by making a lot of sacrifices.

No decision has been made in the discussions held so far on the post of Deputy Leader of the Opposition. CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam responded that he is not aware of moves to annul the post. He said that the state committee will meet and consider it if a proposal is made. The state leadership of both parties may discuss the matter. A decision will be reached only after this. An extended state committee will convene soon based on the CPM Central Committee report. A decision will be taken only after that.

The CPM national leadership assessed that continuing the dispute would not benefit the front or the party. With the CPM and the CPI at loggerheads, the national leadership is thinking about the next plan. With leaders making public responses, CPM and CPI both see it as a prestige issue. In this situation, it was agreed that it would be appropriate to cancel the deputy leader position itself.

The CPM state secretariat and the state committee will discuss this matter. The CPI secretariat and the council will discuss this issue. Other parties in the front have expressed dissatisfaction with the dispute going unresolved.