Thiruvananthapuram: Former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will be the new Opposition leader in Kerala.

CPM state committee meeting held on Thursday took the decision unanimously, a statement from party state secretary M V Govindan said.

Following the rout faced by the LDF under Vijayan's leadership, there was a strong demand from party supporters for a leadership change.

Within the party also a section was reportedly seeking a leadership change. There were even speculations that former finance minister K N Balagopal might become the opposition leader.

Vijayan, who served as chief minister for ten years in a row in two terms, is becoming the Opposition leader for the first time. He is also a CPM politburo member.

Chief Minister designate V D Satheesan was the Opposition leader in the last assembly. The house often witnessed heated debates between Satheesan and Vijayan, who was the then CM.