Thiruvananthapuram, 12 July (H.S.):The Communist Party of India (CPI) has made it clear that it will not back down from its demand for the post of Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, arguing that equitable sharing of responsibilities within the Left Democratic Front (LDF) is essential to preserve the coalition's unity.

Addressing reporters, CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam said the party's demand was not driven by a desire for power but by the need to strengthen the LDF through a more democratic distribution of positions among its constituents.

If the CPI and the CPI(M) are to move forward united in Kerala, the post of Deputy Leader of the Opposition must go to the CPI, Viswam said. In a democratic coalition, responsibilities and positions should be shared among all partners. The practice of one party holding every important position must come to an end.

He asserted that the Deputy Leader of the Opposition's post rightfully belonged to the CPI and rejected attempts to justify the existing arrangement by citing political convention.

No one can evade the issue by referring to convention. If conventions have to change, they should change. The LDF is larger than any convention, he said.

Viswam stressed that all positions, irrespective of whether they are considered major or minor, should be shared among alliance partners, saying such an arrangement would reinforce the unity and credibility of the Left front.

The CPI's demand is not intended to weaken the LDF. On the contrary, it is aimed at making the front stronger. Power-sharing is indispensable if we are to move ahead as a united alliance, he said.

Viswam said the CPI had initially raised the issue internally through discussions with the CPI(M) and had also submitted letters on the matter before speaking publicly. He said it was unfair to suggest that the party had acted irresponsibly by raising the issue in the open.

He also remarked that the CPI had never insisted on occupying the Chief Minister's post and questioned why the Deputy Leader of the Opposition's position should not be shared among alliance partners.

The real issue is whether the LDF believes in democratic power-sharing. If the alliance is to remain united, sharing responsibilities among its constituents is unavoidable, he said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman