CPM likely to delay decision on Opposition Leader

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM’s decision on the post of Opposition Leader in Kerala is likely to be delayed. The issue was not discussed during the CPM state secretariat meeting held on Tuesday. The matter has also not been included in the agenda of the state committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday.

According to party sources, the CPM leadership has decided to finalise the Opposition Leader only after the UDF selects the Chief Minister. If a decision on the Chief Minister is reached during the state committee meeting, CPM Politburo members will prepare a recommendation, which will later be presented before the state committee.

Pinarayi Vijayan reportedly did not reveal his stand on the issue during the state secretariat meeting on Tuesday.

The CPM Politburo has reportedly decided to leave the matter to the Kerala unit. However, there are indications that some Politburo members have differences of opinion.

The CPM state committee meeting beginning on Wednesday is expected to hold detailed discussions on the party’s electoral defeat, especially losses suffered in constituencies represented by ministers. The state secretariat has directed senior leaders to compulsorily attend meetings convened to review the election setback.

Sources also indicate that criticism was raised in the meeting over public statements made by the CPI regarding the election defeat. Some leaders reportedly argued that attempts to place the blame on a single individual or one party were not suitable for the functioning of the LDF.

During CPI leadership meetings, criticism had reportedly emerged that the party’s defeat was linked to Pinarayi Vijayan’s style of functioning and that he should not continue in the leadership role. CPM leaders are also understood to have criticised the CPI for publicly commenting on the issue of the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, saying such matters should have been discussed within the alliance meeting rather than outside.