New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram | CPI General Secretary D Raja on Thursday said his party deserved the post of Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly and that discussions on the matter are still at the state level.
The CPI has been demanding the post following the Left Democratic Front's defeat in the Kerala Assembly elections, but the CPI(M) is yet to accept the demand.
Asked about the issue in New Delhi, Raja said the CPI was seeking the post as it was an important constituent of the LDF and wanted to play a more active role in the opposition.
"That is a genuine demand from our party because our party is an important ally of the LDF. Now the LDF sits in the opposition, and our party wants to play a more active role by holding the position of the deputy leader. That's why our party has been asking. Still, the issue is being discussed at the state level," he told reporters.
His remarks came days after Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan said the issue of appointing a Deputy Leader of the Opposition was a "closed chapter".
Responding to a question on the CPI(M)'s reported reluctance to concede the post, Raja said both parties had their own positions, and discussions were continuing.
"As an independent party, they may hold their position. As an independent party, we have our position. Talks are going on, negotiations are going on. Let us wait and see," he said.
Meanwhile, CPI MLA P Prasad told the media that the party's demand was justified and necessary.
"The CPI has raised an essential and justified demand. CPI has never raised or upheld any unjust or unnecessary matter before the LDF," he said.
According to him, CPI raises demands on the conviction that this is fully justified and highly necessary "The demand for the post of Deputy Leader of the Opposition is one such matter. We expect a decision on this through consultations," he said.
