Palakkad, Jan 6 (NationPress) Although the CPI continues to be the second-largest partner in the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala, the relationship between these two Communist parties has shown signs of strain for a considerable period.

What has long been simmering discontent is now increasingly coming to the fore, highlighted by pointed public comments from CPI(M) Palakkad district secretariat member S. Ajayakumar, who directed a fierce critique at the CPI during a public gathering in Mannoor, Ottappalam.

Ajayakumar labeled CPI national general secretary Binoy Viswam as a “fourth-rate politician” and accused the CPI of political opportunism, claiming that electoral defeats are often attributed to the CPI(M), while any wins are solely claimed by the CPI.

He ridiculed the party's electoral viability, asserting that the CPI only captures about five percent of the vote share in the State and is incapable of securing even a single constituency independently.

Moreover, he questioned the CPI’s criticisms of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other ministers, suggesting that the departments managed by the CPI are not beyond scrutiny.

This outburst occurs amid a series of events that have unsettled the ruling coalition.

The first significant flashpoint arose when the Kerala government decided to join the PM SHRI schools programme without prior consultations within the LDF or the State Cabinet.

The CPI publicly objected, accusing the CPI(M) of acting unilaterally, and continued its opposition until the Pinarayi Vijayan government had to retract from the initiative—an incident that has left noticeable scars within the alliance.

Since that moment, the relationship between the parties has been unstable and precarious.

The situation deteriorated after the December local body elections, where the LDF’s performance fell short of expectations, prompting internal blame games and a clear cooling of relations within the ruling coalition.

Palakkad, especially Ottappalam, has historically been a battleground for intense CPI–CPI(M) rivalry, and Ajayakumar’s comments reflect a deeper unrest rather than a mere isolated incident.

As Assembly elections approach in April/May, the public display of discord jeopardizes the Left’s ability to project unity and stability.

Although LDF leadership has attempted to downplay these tensions, the recent exchanges indicate that managing internal conflicts could be as demanding for the Left as facing its political adversaries in the upcoming months.