Thrissur, 22 August (H.S.):Tensions within the LDF resurfaced on Saturday after Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan rejected the CPI's claim to the Deputy Leader of Opposition post, prompting a sharp response from CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam.

Responding to questions about the appointment, Pinarayi said the Deputy Leader would be announced once he submitted a letter to the Assembly Speaker. He made it clear that the name proposed would be that of a CPM legislator.

There is no doubt about whose name will be included in the letter. It will be a CPM leader, Pinarayi said.

The statement angered the CPI, which has been pressing for the position for the past three months. Binoy Viswam said he found it difficult to believe that a leader of Pinarayi's stature would make such remarks while discussions were continuing.

If he has spoken in this manner, it does not befit his political maturity or the position he holds. Unilateral statements on a disputed matter under discussion are against the political culture of the LDF, Viswam said.

He added that no leader had the authority to determine the value of the CPI's prestige, saying that right belonged solely to the party and the people.

The CPI leader also stressed that differences between coalition partners should be resolved through bilateral discussions. LDF convener T.P. Ramakrishnan had earlier met CPI leaders at the party headquarters in an attempt to resolve the dispute, but the talks remained inconclusive.

The CPI maintains that retreating from its demand would damage the party's standing. Pinarayi, however, argues that there is no established convention entitling the CPI to the post. The issue was not discussed at the recent LDF meeting.

The CPI has previously compelled the CPM-led front to reconsider contentious decisions, including the Kerala Police Act amendment, the PM-SHRI agreement and Thomas Chandy's continuation as transport minister.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman