LDF is CPI's 'baby', won't allow any move to weaken it, says Binoy Viswam

New Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram, the CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam has defended the LDF as the party's baby, vowing that the alliance wouldn't be weakened in the current controversy over the deputy Leader of Opposition position in the Kerala state Assembly. In an interview with reporters in New Delhi, Viswam said the CPI would not entertain any stance that threatened its ties with the CPI, urging resolution of the matter through discussions within the Left Democratic Front.

When asked if the CPI would form a separate bloc in the state Assembly due to the ongoing dispute, Viswam stated the party could not comment on this at the moment. The CPI, which worked diligently to establish the LDF, emphasized its commitment to the alliance's growth into a robust and positive entity with its own identity. The CPI emphasized that it would not take any stance other than allowing the LDF to grow, adding that no attempt would be made to destroy it.

Viswam explained that the CPI's opinion that the deputy LoP post should be given to it based on convention was not a decision of the LDF. This came amid a public clash between the two major LDF partners over the CPI's demand for the deputy LoP post. The CPI, the second-largest member of the LDF, recently criticized CPI veteran and Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan for rejecting their demand, accusing him of disobeying coalition norms and weakening the alliance.

Last week, Vijayan rejected the CPI's demand, stating the deputy LoP position would go to a CPI leader, adding that appointing a deputy LoP would merely require him to send a letter to the Assembly Speaker, with the name recommended by him being a CPI leader. Viswam strongly criticized Vijayan's remarks, calling them unbecoming of the position he held.

On Tuesday, the CPI state executive committee will hold a meeting in Delhi to discuss the current political scenario and issues within the alliance.