Signs of thaw in CPI-CP(M) feud over Deputy Leader of Opposition post in Keralam Assembly
CPI leader Rajaji Mathew Thomas writes in party mouthpiece calling for collective leadership of Left front in view of changing political landscape; CPI(M)’s A.K. Balan seeks to broker peace
A thaw has developed in the contentious relationship between India's Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), concerning the Deputy Leader of Opposition position in Kerala's State Assembly. Vietnam veteran CPI(M) leader A.K. Balan attempted to mend fences by asserting that the two Left parties are "the heart and brain of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and will remain so".
The two factions hold differing opinions on whether to adhere to certain precedents, which are communicated to their supporters and members. Balan also derided the United Democratic Front (UDF) and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) for believing they could capitalize on the situation.
Former IUML national vice-president K.P.A. Majeed wrote a critical article in party newspaper Chandrika on Saturday, praising the CPI and taking a shot at the CPI(M). Meanwhile, CPI leader Rajaji Mathew Thomas penned a piece in the CPI's newspaper Janayugam defending the party's transparency in discussing the Deputy Leader of Opposition issue in the media.
He argued that the CPI's goal was collective leadership and responsibility among the alliance, in response to the shifting political climate. Thomas urged the CPI(M) not to capitalize on past support for the Emergency, or risk exacerbating tensions between the two parties. He also cited the CPI(M) Central Committee's election review report, noting that this was an unprecedented scenario for the CPI(M) since 1977.
Thomas suggested the Left should adopt a collective leadership model, rather than strictly following precedents, as the BJP and the Sangh Parivar grew stronger. He recognized the growing significance of the Congress as the main Opposition party in India with a secular, democratic stance, regardless of its perceived shortcomings.
Thomas highlighted the Congress-backed election victory of the CPI(M) candidate from Rajasthan in the Lok Sabha polls and reminded the CPI(M) of the C.A. Menon government's foundations in modern Kerala. He also reminded the CPI(M) of the shortcomings of some Left governments that succeeded Menon.
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