Archive · 29 Aug 2026
IUML Leader Backs CPI in Kerala Opposition Post Dispute
The CPI and CPI(M) are arguing about who should become Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Kerala.
The CPI says it should get the post because it is the second-largest party in the opposition alliance.
Pinarayi Vijayan, a CPI(M) leader, says the position should go to someone from the CPI(M).
K.P.A. Majeed of the IUML publicly supported the CPI.
He said the CPI(M) was acting like the boss of the Left alliance.
Majeed also said the CPI has made important contributions to Kerala’s history and development.
He argued that the CPI’s opinions have often been ignored inside the LDF.
The dispute has raised broader questions about how the two parties should work together.
The LDF’s convenor has urged both sides to discuss the issue calmly.
IUML leader K.P.A. Majeed backed the CPI’s claim to Kerala’s Deputy Leader of the Opposition post.
Majeed accused Pinarayi Vijayan and the CPI(M) of treating the CPI as subordinate within the LDF.
The CPI has eight MLAs, compared with the CPI(M)’s 26 in the 140-member Assembly.
Pinarayi rejected the CPI’s demand and said the post would go to a CPI(M) leader.
Majeed also criticized the CPI(M)’s treatment of the CPI’s historical contributions and past policy objections.
- Who
- K.P.A. Majeed of the Indian Union Muslim League, the CPI, the CPI(M), and Pinarayi Vijayan.
- What
- A dispute over the Deputy Leader of the Opposition post, with Majeed supporting the CPI’s claim and criticizing the CPI(M)’s treatment of its ally.
- When
- Majeed’s article was published on Saturday; the broader dispute is ongoing.
- Where
- Kerala, within the opposition alliance and the Kerala Assembly.
- Why
- The CPI claims the post as the second-largest opposition alliance constituent, while Pinarayi Vijayan says it should go to a CPI(M) leader.
CPI and Its Supporters
CPI(M) Position
Who should hold the post?
CPI and Its Supporters
The CPI argues that it should receive the Deputy Leader of the Opposition post because it is the second-largest constituent of the opposition alliance, with eight MLAs.
CPI(M) Position
Pinarayi Vijayan rejected the CPI’s demand and said the post would go to a CPI(M) leader.
Status within the LDF
CPI and Its Supporters
Majeed said the CPI(M) treats the CPI as subordinate and has pushed it to the margins of the LDF.
CPI(M) Position
The CPI(M), through Pinarayi’s stated position, maintains control over the choice of its leader for the post; the article does not provide a broader CPI(M) response to Majeed’s criticism.
Historical and policy influence
CPI and Its Supporters
Majeed highlighted the CPI’s role in the C. Achutha Menon government and said the party’s objections, including during the PM SHRI controversy, were often ignored.
CPI(M) Position
Majeed accused the CPI(M) of emphasizing the contributions of E.M.S. Namboodiripad and K.R. Gouri Amma while downplaying Achutha Menon’s role; the article does not provide the CPI(M)’s response.
- Disputed post
- Deputy Leader of the Opposition
- CPI strength
- Eight MLAs
- CPI(M) strength
- 26 MLAs
- Assembly size
- 140 members
- Publishing outlet
- Chandrika, the IUML mouthpiece
- Alliance involved
- Left Democratic Front
- Broader criticism
- Majeed said the CPI has been marginalized and its views disregarded within the LDF.