Can CPI poll 5,000 votes on its own in Keralam, asks CPI(M) State secretariat member C.N. Mohanan

CPI(M) State secretariat member C.N. Mohanan has questioned the Communist Party of India (CPI) for attempting to single out and attack the Leader of the Opposition and CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Pinarayi Vijayan. Mohanan, a senior figure within the Left Democratic Front (LDF), has been critical of the CPI's political strength and ability to secure at least 5,000 votes in Assembly seats on its own.

He accused the CPI of using pressure tactics and causing embarrassment to the CPI(M) in the past. Mohanan also challenged the CPI's claim of initiating the formation of the Left Democratic Front (LDF), pointing out that the CPI was part of an alliance with the Congress during the 1979 local body elections, which was ultimately defeated by the Left Front.

He questioned why the CPI waited a year after the 1978 Bhatinda Party Congress to leave the alliance with the Congress. Mohanan's remarks come in response to a critical article by CPI assistant secretary Sathyan Mokeri, published in the party's own mouthpiece, Janayugam.