CPI-CPI(M) tussle over Deputy Opposition Leader post in Keralam is a mutiny against Pinarayi Vijayan

The ongoing dispute between the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) over the Deputy Leader of the Opposition position in Keralam's Assembly is not solely about the nominal role. This tension is indicative of a broader struggle for collective leadership, with CPI members resenting the absolute authority of Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan, who has faced resentment from the CPI for the past decade and a half.

A notable shift is that certain CPI(M) factions at the district, area, and local committee levels are now echoing these concerns regarding the concentration of power, which they believe has weakened the party and its front, especially following the LDF's electoral defeat in the recent Assembly elections. Both parties have conducted post-mortems on their electoral performance, but they remain divided on the necessary measures for improvement.

The CPI has expressed discontent over being left out of the extended State committee meeting in Kozhikode, scheduled for September 13, despite including representatives from various mass and class organizations within the party. Additionally, they are troubled by financial allegations against Vijayan's daughter, T. Veena. However, the CPI's grievances extend deeper, tracing back over the past decade since Vijayan assumed the role of LDF leader, with numerous disagreements between the two parties over issues such as Maoist encounter killings, the anti-encroachment drive in Munnar, the UAPA law, the SilverLine railway project, and more.

While Kanam Rajendran's successor, Binoy Viswam, initially faced criticism from within for capitulating to Vijayan's leadership, the CPI's sustained opposition to the LDF government's decision to sign the PM SHRI scheme without front-line consensus has escalated tensions. CPI(M) members accuse the CPI of claiming ideological superiority, while the CPI contends that Vijayan's leadership is undemocratic and authoritarian.

Despite rumors suggesting Vijayan may relinquish the Opposition Leader position, no specific timeline has been announced. The CPI(M) central committee has nominated K.N. Balagopal as their candidate for Deputy Leader of the Opposition, while the CPI supports K. Rajan. Both factions agree on the absence of a unified opposition stance on the Assembly floor, which was glaringly apparent during the first session of the current 16th Assembly.

In response to Vijayan's assertion of having a CPI(M) deputy, T.P. Ramakrishnan, LDF convenor, opted for dialogue instead. The CPI remains resolute in its demand for a change, with veteran leader C. Divakaran asserting that there is no monopoly over the Left. The conflict's trajectory appears to be directed at Vijayan.