An article carried by the Communist Party of India’s (CPI) mouthpiece “Janayugam” Malayalam daily dated August 25 has ended up as a sharp criticism against CPM leader Pinarayi Vijayan over the dispute regarding the position of the Deputy Opposition Leader in the Kerala Assembly. Authored by CPI leader Sathyan Mokeri, the article says, “Egoism does not suit a communist leader”, while arguing that “coalition is not a Master – Servant” affair.
The article comes amid the disputes and arguments between CPM and CPI over the position, a dispute that has continued since the 16th Kerala Assembly came into force on May 21, 2026.
The CPI, the second largest party in the CPM-led opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF), has been demanding the position of Deputy Opposition Leader. But CPM is not in a mood to part with it. The LDF has 35 seats in the Assembly, with CPM having 26, CPI 8 and RJD 1.
Sathyan Mokeri’s article blames Pinarayi Vijayan for his statement regarding the Deputy Leader issue. The article says the statement was a blatant violation of the coalition dharma and values.
The author was referring to former CM Pinarayi’s latest statement that it was his responsibility to give the letter to the Speaker nominating the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He had made it clear that it would be a CPM MLA’s name.
The article says Pinarayi’s stand that he will decide everything is not congenial for the collective functioning of the coalition. It does not suit a communist leader. Close on the heels of the election debacle, CPI put forward the suggestion of nominating its MLA as the LDF Deputy Leader.
Discussions on the CPI suggestion have been going on at various levels. Then the Leader of the Opposition made the aforementioned controversial statement.
Against this backdrop, the article says that the position of the Deputy Opposition Leader is a political matter and hence the Leader of the Opposition shall not make unilateral statements.
The article further says Pinarayi’s statement comes when LDF partners are going ahead with a resolution to make sure that the disputes should not come in the way of the smooth functioning of the Front. It asks if such a statement in a press conference can strengthen the LDF.
The write-up wonders what is behind the statement of the Leader of the Opposition which can only weaken the LDF. It says that LDF activities are essential in the political atmosphere of Bharat. Clarity is essential. The whims and fancies of the Leader of the Opposition should not be brought into Left politics. Such gestures will weaken the politics and values the Left parties raise.
The article continues that “coalition is not a Master – Servant” affair. There should be equality and mutual respect in teamwork. None should attempt to be the absolute authority. The freedom and ideas of other parties should be respected. Decisions should not be unilateral. They should be taken through discussions and consensus.
The author states that the discussions on the “Deputy Opposition Leader” still continue. The matter is being considered by the national leaders of both CPM and CPI.
Sathyan Mokeri concluded the article by expressing regret as the Leader of the Opposition did not show the maturity the communists should uphold in coalition politics.
The article points to the fissures in the LDF, especially between CPM and CPI. Pinarayi Vijayan and CPM leaders know that at the end of the day, CPI will come in line because they do not have any other choice.
In 1969, when CPI fell out with CPM, the former could join the camp of the Congress led by Indira Gandhi. But now the situation is different. Congress is in a pathetic condition. They cannot join the BJP camp, thanks to the serious ideological differences.
