CPI Renews Demand for Deputy LoP Post in Keralam Assembly

Thiruvananthapuram: CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam on Monday reiterated that the party's demand for the deputy LoP post in the Keralam Assembly was aimed at strengthening the LDF's collective leadership.

The CPI has been seeking the post of deputy Leader of Opposition in the Keralam Assembly but is yet to reach a consensus with the CPI(M) on the issue.

At a press conference, Viswam said the CPI believed that a deputy Leader of Opposition from the party would strengthen the collective leadership of the Left front and help it raise people's issues more effectively, both inside and outside the Assembly.

He said the demand was a considered political position and not an attempt to create divisions within the LDF.

The CPI would pursue the demand through discussions with its partners in the LDF and would not act unilaterally, he said.

While there were differences of opinion within the LDF on certain issues, they should be resolved through discussions among the constituent parties, he said.

The front's style of functioning needed to change, and its collective approach should acquire new meaning and strength, he said.

"The CPI's position is to strengthen the LDF's capacity to fight for the people. The front needs to improve its functioning and give a new meaning and strength to its collective efforts. Our demand is part of that effort," he said.

Viswam said the LDF was facing several political challenges and needed to strengthen its ability to lead struggles against the policies of the BJP-led Union government and the UDF government in the state.

He said the CPI would continue to stand by its position and work towards strengthening the Left front.

Referring to the recent Assembly session, he said the CPI had not compromised on raising issues concerning the people and had strongly exposed the policies of the UDF government.

Differences of opinion within the LDF should not dilute the front's stand on public issues or weaken its protests against the government, he said.

On the Enforcement Directorate's action against Leader of Opposition in the Keralam Assembly, Pinarayi Vijayan, in connection with the Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) payment case, Viswam said the CPI was opposed to the use of central agencies as political weapons.

"The CPI will always oppose the use of the ED as a political weapon. That has been our stand," he said.

He alleged that the ED's action against Vijayan was also an attempt to target him politically and said the CPI would join any protest against the use of the agency for political purposes.

Viswam accused the UDF government of facilitating corruption through its policies on land, electricity procurement and liquor, alleging that its decisions were aimed at benefiting vested interests at the expense of the state.

He alleged that the government's proposed changes to quarrying regulations and its SARAL initiative to promote business would facilitate the unrestricted exploitation of land and natural resources.

Viswam said SARAL (Simplified and Accelerated Regulatory Approval and Licensing) was being projected as a measure to simplify procedures but could lead to changes in land ownership and use, undermining the achievements of land reforms.

He said land reforms had laid the foundation for Keralam's progress in industry, education, healthcare, science and technology by ending the dominance of traditional landowners.

He alleged that autonomous colleges, largely run by private managements, had been given excessive powers, which would undermine the state's education system.

Questioning the proposed procurement of electricity through a private platform, he asked why the government was insisting on the arrangement without providing clarity on procurement prices and its financial implications.

He alleged that ministers were unable to explain decisions concerning their own departments and were repeatedly referring questions to the CM.

Viswam criticised the government's excise policy, questioning its decisions on bar licences and the promotion of low-alcohol beverages.

Referring to the transfer of the Excise Commissioner, he said the government should explain its handling of the excise policy and the allegations of irregularities surrounding it.

He announced that the CPI would organise a protest meeting in front of the Peerumade taluk office against alleged land encroachment and the sale of plantation lands in Idukki district, which he claimed were being facilitated by the UDF government.

He said the CPI and the LDF were planning a series of protest programmes across the state, alleging that the UDF government had failed to honour the promises made to the people during the election campaign.