The Communist Party of India (CPI) will not compromise on its demand for the post of Deputy Leader of the Opposition, CPI State secretary Binoy Viswam has said. Addressing the media here on Thursday, Mr. Viswam said the CPI had no objection to convening a meeting of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) to discuss the issue. The CPI had informed the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] leadership that it was not appropriate to hold a parliamentary party meeting alone to discuss the matter.

“If the issue comes up for discussion at the LDF meeting, the CPI will definitely demand the post of Deputy Leader of the Opposition,” Mr. Viswam said, adding that the party would not back down from its demand under any circumstances.

A crisis erupted within the Left front over the post of Deputy Leader of the Opposition soon after the recent election debacle. Although the CPI and the CPI(M) have held talks to resolve the issue, they have so far failed to reach an agreement.