CPI Opposes Pinarayi Vijayans Appointment as Leader of Kerala Opposition

May 7, 2026

Thiruvananthapuram, May 7: The Communist Party of India (CPI) has openly opposed the appointment of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as the leader of the opposition in Kerala. This issue was raised during a leadership meeting of the CPI, where senior party leaders argued that the position should be given to a new face. They partially attributed the Left Democratic Front’s (LDF) electoral defeat to Vijayan’s leadership style.

The CPI is the second-largest constituent of the LDF, which has now moved to the opposition after suffering a significant loss in the assembly elections. The leftist parties secured only 35 seats, with CPI(M) winning 26, CPI eight, and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) claiming one seat.

In contrast, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) returned to power with 102 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) opened its account with three seats in the assembly.

Despite this crushing defeat, Vijayan has remained silent, refraining from speaking to the media or issuing any statements on social media. His silence has fueled speculation about whether he is prepared to take on the role of opposition leader after a decade as Chief Minister.

Discussions regarding leadership within the leftist camp are intensifying. CPI leaders have indicated that the possibility of an alternative arrangement remains limited unless Vijayan voluntarily steps down from the position.

However, if he declines the role, former Finance Minister and senior CPI(M) leader K.N. Balagopal is emerging as a potential candidate.

Adding pressure on Vijayan, former leftist MLA Sebastian Paul publicly criticized his administration earlier in the day, holding him accountable for the electoral defeat. An official decision on this matter is expected following the CPI’s state secretariat meeting.

A faction within the leftist camp believes that given the ruling coalition’s substantial majority, only a politically experienced and skilled leader can effectively challenge the government.

Insiders suggest that despite the growing dissent within the coalition, this argument keeps Vijayan’s prospects alive.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan stated to the media that the party will conduct a thorough introspection at all organizational levels following the electoral loss.