Thiruvananthapuram, 05 July (H.S.) :The Communist Party of India (CPI) has intensified its criticism of ally CPI(M), calling for a fundamental change in the Left Democratic Front's (LDF) traditional functioning amid an escalating dispute over the post of Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly.

CPI State Assistant Secretary P.P. Suneer said the time had come to reassess long-standing conventions within the Left alliance, arguing that the coalition could have avoided its present political setbacks had the CPI's concerns and warnings been taken seriously in the past.

His remarks come against the backdrop of growing differences within the LDF over the allocation of the Deputy Opposition Leader's post following the alliance's defeat in the Assembly elections. The issue has emerged as the latest flashpoint between the two Left parties, exposing differences over power-sharing and decision-making within the front.

Suneer also questioned recent remarks made by Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan, who had sought to downplay the controversy by describing the dispute as a closed chapter and insisting there was no reason for further concern.

The CPI, however, wants clarity on whether Vijayan's comments reflected his personal opinion or the official stand of the CPI(M). According to the party, issues involving the functioning of the alliance should be discussed collectively and resolved through consultations that respect the conventions and democratic practices of the LDF.

The CPI's latest intervention signals growing unease within the alliance over what it views as the dominant role played by the CPI(M) in key political decisions. Party leaders believe that greater consultation and mutual respect among coalition partners are essential to rebuilding the credibility of the Left after its electoral setback.

The CPI(M), meanwhile, has maintained that the Deputy Opposition Leader's post rightfully belongs to it as the largest party in the Opposition. Sources in the party have indicated that it is not prepared to make any compromise on the issue or relinquish the position in favour of its ally.

The dispute has surfaced at a time when the LDF is engaged in introspection following its heavy electoral defeat, with discussions underway on organisational reforms and political course correction. Instead of projecting unity during this period of self-assessment, the renewed disagreement over legislative positions has brought underlying tensions between the alliance partners into the open.

With both parties hardening their positions, the issue is expected to figure prominently in upcoming LDF meetings, where it could become a significant test of the alliance's internal cohesion and its ability to address differences through consensus.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman