CPI firm on demand for Keralam deputy LoP post, says Binoy Viswam
Viswam said the CPI was clear about the principles it stood for within the LDF and had taken positions on issues, including the PM SHRI scheme, based on those principles
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 7 (PTI) CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam on Wednesday said his party would not back down from its demand for the post of Keralam deputy Leader of Opposition, calling for a new working culture within the LDF.
He said the demand was not being made because the deputy LoP was a "great post", but was done to bring about a change in the functioning of the opposition Left Democratic Front, which is led by the CPI(M).
"The CPI is firm on its demand for the Deputy Leader of Opposition post. A new working style is needed in the LDF, with greater collective effort, participation and unity," Viswam said while taking to reporters here.
"The new working style is what the times demand. There should be a new working culture in the LDF, with togetherness and participation. We did not demand the post because it is a great position," he said.
Viswam said the CPI was clear about the principles it stood for within the LDF and had taken positions on issues, including the PM SHRI scheme, based on those principles.
His remarks came amid a public spat between the two major LDF constituents over the CPI's demand for the deputy LoP post.
The CPI, the second-largest constituent of the LDF, had recently criticised CPI(M) veteran and Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan for rejecting its demand, accusing him of violating coalition norms and undermining the alliance.
Vijayan had rejected the CPI's demand, saying the deputy LoP post would go to a CPI(M) leader. PTI