Thiruvananthapuram, August 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Differences within Kerala’s CPI-M-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) have intensified, with the Communist Party of India (CPI) hardening its position against alliance chairman and former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over its demand for the post of Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
CPI General Secretary D. Raja has now backed the state unit’s position, saying Vijayan cannot ignore the concerns of alliance partners and should be prepared to accommodate their demands.
The CPI has been seeking the Deputy Leader’s post for its state secretary Binoy Viswam, who has repeatedly raised the demand publicly. Vijayan, however, has rejected it, saying the demand cannot be accepted.
The disagreement escalated after Vijayan disclosed that the CPI had submitted a letter seeking the post. Viswam subsequently defended the demand and said Vijayan should show greater maturity in dealing with the issue.
Raja’s intervention has given the dispute a national dimension, with the CPI leadership preparing to raise the matter before the LDF leadership despite the issue having so far been discussed bilaterally between the CPI and CPI-M.
The continuing disagreement has also reportedly caused unease among other LDF constituents, with concerns over coordination within the Opposition gaining prominence.
The CPI state leadership is now expected to take a firmer position against Vijayan in his capacity as LDF chairman and is looking towards intervention by the national leaderships of the Left parties to resolve the impasse.
The dispute comes as the LDF government completes its first 100 days amid growing public differences among its constituents. The disagreement over the Deputy Leader’s post has consequently assumed wider political significance, with the CPI signalling that it wants a greater role in decision-making within the alliance.
The Left front has already faced a major electoral setback, adding to the political sensitivity of the latest internal confrontation.
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