Thiruvananthapuram: CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam said his party was still hopeful of realising its claim for the deputy leader of opposition post in the assembly. Viswam’s statement comes amid reports that LDF convener T P Ramakrishnan has been tasked with negotiating with CPI, after CPM’s junior partner in LDF refused to accept the party stand that the post belonged to it.In an apparent reference to opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan’s statement that talks on the deputy leader post were a closed chapter, Viswam said no door had been closed regarding CPI’s claim. At the same time, he refused to comment on RJD’s stand that CPI had no right to lay claim to the post. RJD leaders had accused CPI of being adamant about securing posts and positions at the expense of other constituents in LDF.Viswam said CPI was not ready for an argument with RJD on any matter. “CPI will do nothing that would weaken LDF,” he said.The talks between Viswam and Ramakrishnan held at M N Smarakam on Tuesday did not yield results. Ramakrishnan later said no deadline was set for such talks. However, CPM general secretary M A Baby told reporters in New Delhi on Tuesday that CPM and CPI would resolve the issue over the deputy leader post through consultations.
