On May 5, almost 24 hours after the LDF and Pinarayi Vijayan tasted their biggest defeat since the Left Democratic Front was formed, P.M. Manoj, press secretary to the outgoing CM, made a crucial change: he renamed an admin-only WhatsApp group—used to share updates from the CMO—from “CMO Media” to "Opposition Media."
Though not a definitive sign, this repurposing of the WhatsApp group did raise the question of whether Pinarayi Vijayan will become the Leader of the Opposition in the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly. And the rumours suggest that the answer could be “yes”.
Sources within the CPI(M) say that senior leaders are of the view that Pinarayi himself should assume the role, as he led the LDF in the elections. This view also stems from the belief that any other figure might make the opposition appear too weak in the Assembly. Leaders also point out that if he steps aside instead of leading the front after an electoral defeat, it could send the wrong message. The LDF is entering the opposition benches with its weakest-ever strength since the front's formation. The CPI(M) has just 26 members in the upcoming Kerala Assembly.
Also read
- How Revanth Reddy’s Kerala Assembly poll campaign energised UDF
- Kerala assembly election results: How Fathima Thahiliya toppled a Left bastion to become Muslim League’s first woman MLA
- Kerala election results: Meet the 11 women MLAs of 16th state legislative assembly
- After Kerala setback, CPI(M) admits ‘shortcomings’, but rejects anti-incumbency
The CPI(M) secretariat is meeting today, and it is expected that there will be discussions on who should become the opposition leader. Notably, Pinarayi Vijayan has not revealed his intentions either. The Party Secretariat will also make a primary analysis of the poll debacle.
Notably, at 82, Vijayan is the eldest MLA-elect in the 16th Kerala Assembly. That advanced age itself has fuelled speculation that he may prefer not to take up the position.
K. N. Balagopal, former finance minister and a Central Committee member, is the senior-most leader in the party hierarchy to be elected to the Assembly after Pinarayi. If Pinarayi does not become the opposition leader, Balagopal could emerge as a contender for the post.
However, certain sections within the party believe that he is too soft for the role. Back in 2011, when former chief minister V. S. Achuthanandan (who was 87 then) was elected as the opposition leader, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan was appointed deputy leader. If the same model is followed now, K. N. Balagopal could become deputy leader alongside Pinarayi.
Secretariat members Saji Cherian and P. A. Mohammed Riyas are the two other senior leaders within the party structure who will be part of the upcoming assembly.
Other prominent figures and ministers, such as Central Committee member P. Rajeeve and state committee member M. B. Rajesh, lost the elections.
Meanwhile, severe criticism is brewing within party circles against Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI(M) state secretary M. V. Govindan over the election defeat. Though sharp criticism is not expected during the state secretariat meeting, the state committee meeting is expected to be turbulent over the leadership’s failures.
There is also a strong campaign, especially on social media, calling for Govindan’s removal from the post.
