Thiruvananthapuram, 06 May (H.S.): Even after suffering a crushing defeat in the Kerala Assembly elections, a strong section within the CPI(M) is reportedly backing veteran leader Pinarayi Vijayan to take over as the Leader of the Opposition in the new Assembly.

According to reports emerging from within the party, the majority opinion in the CPI(M) leadership is that Pinarayi Vijayan remains indispensable for the Left Democratic Front’s revival and should continue to lead the party in the Assembly despite the electoral setback. Senior leaders are said to believe that stepping aside after a single defeat would send the wrong political message and place the entire burden of the defeat solely on Vijayan.

The discussions within the party have reportedly gained momentum in the aftermath of the LDF’s unexpected collapse in the elections, which ended the coalition’s decade-long rule in the state. Party leaders are of the view that the Communist movement has historically treated electoral victories and defeats as part of a larger political process and that the current setback should not lead to abrupt leadership changes.

Pinarayi Vijayan has been one of the most influential figures in Kerala politics for nearly three decades and led the state as Chief Minister for ten years. Leaders backing him argue that his administrative experience, organisational grip, and political stature are essential at a time when the United Democratic Front is returning to power with a strong and experienced leadership team.

Sources within the party indicate that while senior leader K. N. Balagopal is also considered qualified for the post of Leader of the Opposition, many leaders feel that only a strong and seasoned politician like Pinarayi Vijayan can effectively counter the new UDF government both inside and outside the Assembly.

The CPI(M) leadership is expected to hold further discussions in the coming days before a final decision is taken on the Opposition leadership in the state Assembly.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman