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.
