Deputy Opposition Leader post rightfully belongs to CPI; Binoy Viswam toughens stance

NEW DELHI: Amid ongoing discussions within the CPM over the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, the CPI has openly staked its claim for the post of Deputy Leader of the Opposition. CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam said the position should be given to the CPI, asserting that the party has a rightful claim to the post. The statement comes as the CPM is reportedly considering former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for the Opposition Leader role, while K N Balagopal is being discussed as a possible Deputy Leader.

Speaking on the issue, Binoy Viswam said CPM leaders have argued that the Deputy Opposition Leader post is only a matter of convention and has no constitutional backing. While agreeing that the Constitution does not officially recognise such a position, he pointed out that the practice has long existed in Kerala politics.

“There is no rule stating that both the Opposition Leader and Deputy Opposition Leader should belong to the same party. Political practices evolve over time, and this convention too can change,” he said.

Binoy Viswam also termed the recent election setback as a clear warning from the public and stressed the need for the Left parties to introspect and correct their mistakes. Reacting to criticism against him on social media, he said calls for his resignation through Facebook posts are not in line with communist political culture.