Amid continuing uncertainty over its claim for the Deputy Leader of Opposition post, the Communist Party of India (CPI) has reiterated that it will not step back from its demand.

Talking to mediapersons, CPI State secretary Binoy Viswam said in Kottayam on Tuesday that the position rightfully belonged to the party and added that discussions had already taken place and consultations were held with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] as well. He said further talks would be held if required to examine the issue in detail. Mr. Viswam was in Kottayam to attend the party’s district executive and district council meetings to assess the results of the recent elections.

Referring to the electoral setback suffered by his party, he said the CPI would undertake a detailed review of its performance, including the defeat in Vaikom, during the two-day deliberations. He added that there would be no attempt to reframe electoral losses as victories through statistical arguments.

Mr. Viswam also said the CPI had no objections to the announcements made by the United Democratic Front (UDF) government after its first Cabinet meeting, but stressed the need for clarity regarding their implementation.

Detailed scrutiny

P. Prasad, member of the CPI State Executive Committee, said the party did not agree with the Kerala Congress (M) argument that widespread cross voting by the CPI(M) cadre led to the defeat. He added that the election results from Vaikom and other constituencies would be subjected to detailed scrutiny.

After the completion of the district-level meetings, the State Council and State Executive would also convene to assess the electoral performance. “Necessary corrections will be made in a manner that is transparent and understandable to both the party and the public,” he said.

Meanwhile, party sources said the CPI district council meeting witnessed sharp criticism over the party’s defeat in Vaikom, long considered a stronghold of the Left front. Criticism was also reportedly directed at the performance of the Left Democratic Front government led by Pinarayi Vijayan. Criticism was also directed at the CPI State secretary for making the party appear weak and directionless in the public sphere.