The impasse in the Left Democratic Front (LDF) over the Communist Party of India's (CPI) claim for the deputy opposition leader's post continued on Thursday as both parties refused to budge from their positions. The CPI and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) reiterated their legitimate claims for the post, which until recently was not considered a key or coveted position.
CPI Stands Firm
The CPI state secretariat, which discussed the issue on Thursday, is learnt to have decided to stick to its claim for the post. A retraction could be construed as a victory for the CPM over the CPI. CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam expressed hope that the CPM would finally yield to his party's demand. Some senior CPI functionaries are learnt to have said that the CPI need not compromise, as the liability for the steadfastness of the LDF is not the obligation of the CPI alone.
Background of the Claim
The CPI made a claim for the deputy opposition leader's post as the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second-largest constituent in the United Democratic Front (UDF), used to hold the same post in the legislative assembly. The CPI leadership wants to appoint former revenue minister K Rajan as the deputy opposition leader in the House.
CPM's Position
On Thursday, party state secretary M V Govindan reiterated the CPM's argument that the deputy opposition leader's position was held by the CPM for long and hence it has a legitimate claim over that post. Though Govindan stopped short of saying that the CPM was not ready to yield to the CPI's pressure, he expressed hope that the issue would be settled amicably.
Importance of Unity
Govindan said CPM-CPI relations have paramount importance when it comes to unity among Left parties. The CPM leadership has already informed Viswam that the party is not ready to give the said post to the CPI.
