THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The standoff between the CPM and CPI over the post of Deputy Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly reached a flash point with senior Left leaders openly trading charges.
Hours after Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan made it categorically clear that the post would go only to a CPM leader, CPI state secretary Binoy VIswam shot back terming Pinarayi's remark unbecoming of his position and political maturity. The fresh development comes amidst the ongoing infighting within the LDF over the pending decision regarding the post of Deputy LoP.
Speaking to the media in Thrissur on Saturday, Pinarayi Vijayan said only a CPM leader will assume the post. Responding to media queries, Pinarayi said mere formality remains in the matter. "I have to give a letter to the Assembly Speaker with a name, which is the sole formality in the process. You don't need to worry about it.. Undoubtedly the letter will have the name of a CPM leader," Pinarayi said.
In a prompt response to the CPM veteran's comment, Binoy Viswam strongly criticised the statement saying the remark does not go well with LDF's culture. Unleashing sharp criticism against the Leader of Opposition, Binoy Viswam said Pinarayi making such a unilateral statement in a disputed matter was unbecoming of the position he holds.
"I find it difficult to believe that he (Pinarayi Vijayan) would make such a remark. If he has said so, I am forced to say, with all humility, that it does not go well with his political maturity and the position that he currently holds. The general approach of LDF in such conflicting situations is to resolve it through a proper meeting between the parties. If he has made such a unilateral statement, it does not suit LDF's culture," he said while addressing the media.
Stating that the topic was already discussed in Delhi and Keralam, and kept aside for further discussions, Binoy said that no leader or media can question CPI's dignity. However, he refused to entertain questions on whether the CPI would now choose to sit as a separate block in the Legislative Assembly.