CPI’s demand for Keralam Deputy LoP post genuine, Pinarayi Vijayan should be more accommodating: D. Raja
CPI general secretary D. Raja has publicly urged CPI(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan to be more accommodating regarding the CPI's demand for the Deputy Leader of Opposition post in Kerala. The dispute highlights internal tensions within the Left Democratic Front.
Why it matters
Internal friction within the LDF coalition could impact political stability and cooperation in the Kerala Assembly.
CPI general secretary D. Raja on Monday (August 24, 2026) said his party’s demand for the Deputy Leader of Opposition post in Keralam was “genuine” and urged CPI(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan to be “more accommodating" on the issue.
Mr. Raja was responding to reporters’ questions on Mr. Vijayan’s recent remarks that if required, only a CPI(M) leader would be appointed as Deputy Leader of the Opposition despite the CPI raising a claim for it. Mr. Vijayan is the Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly.
“As far as our party is concerned, the demand for Deputy Leader is a genuine one. The CPI has been demanding this, and it was being discussed bilaterally,” Mr. Raja said.
Mr. Raja said he “did not understand” why Mr. Vijayan had made remarks favouring a CPI(M) leader for the post.
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