Published Jul 12, 2026 | 5:37 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 12, 2026 | 5:37 PM
CPI State secretary Binoy Viswam.
Synopsis: The CPI has reiterated its demand for the creation of a Deputy Opposition Leader post in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, saying it deserves a greater role in the Opposition. CPI State secretary Binoy Viswam said conventions could be changed if necessary and that Left Democratic Front unity was more important than following tradition. Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan rejected the demand, saying the issue was “closed”.
The Community Party of India (CPI) on Sunday, 12 July reiterated its demand for the creation of a Deputy Opposition Leader post in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, even as Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan asserted that the matter was “closed”.
CPI State secretary Binoy Viswam said the party deserved a greater share of responsibility in the Opposition and argued that established conventions could be changed if required. He maintained that the unity of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) should take precedence over adherence to tradition.
The CPI’s demand comes despite Vijayan ruling out any change to the existing arrangement. He said the LDF functioned according to long-standing procedures and had no intention of altering them.
Vijayan also made it clear that neither the post of Leader of Opposition nor that of Deputy Leader of Opposition was under discussion within the Front.
