KC(M) warns LDF against infighting over Deputy Leader of Opposition post

Jose K. Mani | Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO Kerala Congress (M) [KC (M)] chairman Jose K. Mani on Monday (August 31, 2026) expressed dissatisfaction over the ongoing dispute between the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and the Communist Party of India (CPI) over the post of Deputy Leader of the Opposition, warning that open bickering over positions within the Left Democratic Front (LDF) could further alienate the people from the front.Addressing the media at Maramon, Mr. Mani said the LDF needed to focus on introspection and course correction following its electoral setback rather than engage in disputes over posts.“In the last Assembly election, over 19 lakh people voted against the LDF. What the LDF needs now is a deep assessment of why it suffered such a major defeat despite carrying out extensive development and welfare initiatives while refusing to give in to the communal agenda of the Union government. It also needs to identify its shortcomings and make necessary corrections,” he said.Any approach other than such a course, irrespective of which constituent party adopts it, would amount to political suicide, Mr. Mani said. All constituents of the front should recognise this, he added.Mr. Mani also urged the State government to exert pressure on the Centre to ensure that the final notification on the ecologically sensitive area on the Western Ghats is issued in accordance with the State government’s recommendations. He called for an all-party meeting and a special session of the Assembly to discuss the demarcation of forest boundaries in villages falling under ecologically sensitive zones.“This is an issue that affects 2.5 million people across seven districts in the State. Any objections to the notification have to be submitted to the Union government within 60 days. However, 35 days have already elapsed since the notification was issued, leaving with only 25 days for the State to submit its recommendations’’, he pointed out.Effective measures should also be taken to prevent wild animal attacks in human settlements, while steps should be taken to control the growing population of wild animals, he said. Published - August 31, 2026 07:25 pm IST