Binoy Viswam, state secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI), said the dispute over the Deputy Leader of Opposition post will be settled through dialogue.

The resolution of this leadership role is critical for maintaining stability within the Left Democratic Front (LDF) coalition in Kerala. Any public friction between the CPI and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), could weaken the alliance's unified front in the assembly.

Viswam spoke regarding the matter on May 8, 2024 [1]. He said that the CPI intends to stake a claim to the post of Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly [2]. He said that the process should remain internal to the coalition to prevent open conflict.

"We will resolve the Deputy Leader of Opposition issue through talks within the LDF," Viswam said [3].

While the CPI is pursuing the deputy role, Viswam clarified the party's stance on the primary leadership position. He said that choosing the opposition leader is the CPM's right, and the CPI will not interfere in that specific selection [4].

This strategy aims to balance the CPI's desire for representation in the assembly's leadership with a respect for the CPI(M)'s dominant role within the LDF. By seeking a negotiated settlement, the CPI seeks to secure a formal position of influence without triggering a broader coalition crisis.

Viswam said that dialogue would allow both the CPI and CPI(M) to address the matter amicably. This approach is intended to ensure that the coalition remains focused on its legislative goals rather than internal administrative disputes.

“"We will resolve the Deputy Leader of Opposition issue through talks within the LDF."”

The push for the Deputy Leader of Opposition post reflects the CPI's effort to maintain its political identity and visibility within the LDF. By explicitly deferring to the CPI(M) for the primary leadership role while claiming the deputy slot, the CPI is attempting to negotiate a power-sharing agreement that acknowledges the hierarchy of the coalition while securing a guaranteed seat at the leadership table.