Thiruvananthapuram: LDF convener T P Ramakrishnan said on Friday that a final decision on the CPI’s fresh demand for the post of deputy leader in the assembly would be taken through discussions. Ramakrishnan said opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan’s statement that the CPM had no plans to give up the post, which it had held for a long time, may have been made based on an earlier decision of the party.“LDF constituents are free to hold their own views and raise demands. However, decisions on such matters can be taken only through consultations. Discussions are on in this case as well. We have decided to hold more talks between CPM and CPI and arrive at an amicable decision,” Ramakrishnan told reporters.The LDF convener also expressed dismay over the public arguments and counterarguments by CPM and CPI functionaries over the issue. He said both sides should refrain from making public statements as the matter was still under discussion.CPI’s demand for the deputy leader’s post, raised after the LDF’s defeat in the assembly election, has affected the smooth functioning of the front. CPI functionaries have argued that the post would enhance the party’s political influence within the LDF, while CPM and some other constituents have viewed the demand as a pressure tactic to win more positions.The controversy intensified after Vijayan publicly rejected CPI’s claim, drawing unusual criticism from CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam. It became murkier after the CPI mouthpiece Janayugam published an article criticising CPM and Vijayan.
