Impasse continues in LDF over deputy leader post

T’puram: The impasse in LDF over CPI’s claim for the deputy opposition leader’s post continued on Thursday too as both parties refused to budge from their claims. CPI and CPM reiterated their legitimate claim for the post, which till recently was not considered a key, coveted position.

CPI state secretariat, which discussed the issue on Thursday, is learnt to have decided to stick to its claim for the post as a retraction could be construed as a CPM win over CPI. CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam expressed hope that CPM would finally yield to his party’s demand. Some senior CPI functionaries are learnt to have said that CPI need not compromise as the liability for the steadfastness of LDF was not the obligation of CPI alone.

CPI made a claim for the deputy opposition leader’s post as Indian Union Muslim League, the second-largest constituent in UDF, used to hold the same post in the legislative assembly. CPI leadership wants to appoint former revenue minister K Rajan as the deputy opposition leader in the House.

On Thursday, party state secretary M V Govindan reiterated CPM’s argument that the deputy opposition leader’s position was held by CPM for long and hence it has a legitimate claim over that post. Though Govindan stopped short of saying that CPM was not ready to yield to CPI’s pressure, he expressed hope that the issue would be settled amicably.

Govindan said CPM-CPI relations have paramount importance when it comes to unity among Left parties. CPM leadership has already informed Viswam that the party is not ready to give the said post to CPI.