CPI's Viswam seeks LDF unity, says no move to weaken front

CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam on Monday sought to ease tensions within the Left Democratic Front (LDF), asserting that his party would not take any step that undermines the coalition. Speaking in Delhi ahead of the CPI's 'Delhi Chalo, Badlaav Zaroori Hai' rally, he expressed confidence that the CPI would secure the Deputy Leader of Opposition post in the Kerala Assembly, which he said rightfully belongs to the party.

Viswam noted that the CPI had initially raised the matter in internal meetings and never intended to air it publicly. He framed the demand not as a claim to a specific position, but as an appeal for a new culture of mutual respect within the LDF. He acknowledged the front's unexpected electoral defeat and stressed that it could be overcome only through proper communication and a changed working style.

Responding to critical remarks attributed to CPI(M) State secretariat member C.N. Mohanan, Viswam pointed out that neither CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby nor State secretary M.V. Govindan had made such comments. He gave a similar response when asked about Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan's recent statements on the issue.

Viswam emphasised that leaders of both parties understand that Left unity is crucial at this juncture. He described the LDF as a collective of parties with shared aims, adding that there is no master-slave relationship within the front.

On the rally, Viswam accused the Modi government of trying to disrupt it by forcing the cancellation of a special train chartered by the CPI for workers travelling from Kerala to Delhi. He said more comrades are now expected to attend than originally planned. He also claimed the CPI is currently the largest Left party nationally and asserted that the government is not invincible, citing its retreat in the face of student protests.