CPI Kerala State secretary Binoy Viswam criticises personality cults, reiterates CPI claim to Deputy Opposition Leader’s post

As scrutiny of the Left Democratic Front’s (LDF) dismal performance in the Kerala Assembly elections progresses across forums of front partners, Communist Party of India (CPI) State secretary Binoy Viswam on Sunday (May 10, 2026) spoke critically of personality cults and the way the long-drawn strike by the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) was handled. He also reiterated his party’s claim to the post of the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.

Speaking to reporters after the CPI national council meeting in New Delhi, Mr. Viswam described the “unexpected” LDF defeat as a warning issued by the people, adding that the Left would learn its lessons and correct mistakes.

Responding to questions whether the focus on one individual had jeopardised the LDF’s prospects, Mr. Viswam said Communist parties should not accept personality cult as a path or a policy. If such tendencies existed, they are wrong, Mr. Viswam said. “This is one of the lessons that the communist party has learned from experiences around the world,” he said.

Mr. Viswam’s comments in this regard come amid reports that the CPI leadership meetings were strongly critical of the way focus was placed on Pinarayi Vijayan as well as his style of functioning as Chief Minister.

On the ASHAs’ strike, Mr. Viswam said a Left government cannot approach such a struggle the way a right-wing government would. Approaching workers’ struggle with disdain is not the Left way, he said.

Mr. Viswam stuck to his stand that the CPI was entitled to the post of the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. The CPI(M) objections to the CPI claim were merely technical, he said.

On the election performance, he said the LDF had lost in constituencies where it should never have. These are warnings to the LDF, he said. The CPI will not attempt to cover up its shortcomings, he said. The Left will study the reasons for the defeat. It has the duty to identify the reasons, make corrections and go forward. At the same time, communist parties can never abandon the field, he said. In the current national scenario, the Left presence is imperative to organise minorities, tribal communities, women and students and fight for their rights, he said.