KC(M) Warns LDF: Infighting Over Deputy Leader Post Could Push Voters Further Away

Kerala Congress (M) [KC(M)] chairman Jose K. Mani on Monday expressed strong displeasure over the ongoing tussle 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. He cautioned that open squabbling over positions within the Left Democratic Front (LDF) could further alienate the electorate from the coalition.

Speaking to the media at Maramon, Mr. Mani stressed that the LDF should instead focus on introspection and course correction following its recent electoral setback. He said the front needed to understand why it lost ground despite its welfare and development record, rather than being preoccupied with sharing 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.

Mr. Mani warned that any approach other than such a course, regardless of which constituent party adopts it, would amount to political suicide. He urged all members of the front to recognise this reality and act accordingly.

The KC(M) leader’s remarks come amid reports of growing friction between CPI(M) and CPI over who should occupy the Deputy Leader of Opposition position in the Kerala Assembly. The LDF, which suffered a significant defeat in the 2026 state elections, has been struggling to present a united front in the opposition. Political observers note that such internal disputes could further damage the front’s credibility, especially when it needs to rebuild public trust.

Mr. Mani also took up the issue of the Western Ghats ecological sensitivity, urging the State government to press the Centre to issue the final notification in line with the State’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 us with only 25 days for the State to submit its recommendations,” he pointed out.

The demand is significant because the Western Ghats notification has raised concerns among residents in several districts about restrictions on land use and livelihood. The State government has been seeking modifications to the draft notification to ease the impact on local communities. Mr. Mani’s suggestion for an all-party meeting and special Assembly session underscores the urgency felt by political leaders in Kerala to voice a unified position.

In addition, Mr. Mani called for effective measures to prevent wild animal attacks in human settlements and for steps to control the growing population of wild animals. This issue has become a pressing concern in many forest-adjacent areas of Kerala, with frequent incidents of animal intrusion causing fear and economic loss among villagers.

By raising these issues, Mr. Mani sought to direct attention to what he described as more substantive matters facing the State and the LDF. His remarks signal that the front’s internal discord over positions is being viewed with concern even by its allies, and that a more constructive approach is needed to address both political and developmental challenges.