Did CPI(M) Just Confirm Its Commitment to the PM SHRI Scheme?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The CPI(M) has confirmed its support for the PM SHRI scheme.
- A broader Left Democratic Front meeting is planned to address internal dissent.
- Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan has voiced strong criticism.
- Political dynamics in Kerala are shifting amid these developments.
- The future of the LDF coalition may be at stake.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 24 (NationPress) The secretariat of the Kerala CPI(M) convened on Friday and resolved to support the government's endorsement of the Prime Minister’s School for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme. This confirms that the state will remain committed to the initiative.
The decision was reached during a meeting led by CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan, although Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and LDF convenor T.P. Ramakrishnan were notably absent.
The party also revealed plans for a comprehensive Left Democratic Front (LDF) meeting post-October 29 to resolve internal conflicts among allies.
This announcement follows growing dissent within the LDF, particularly from the CPI, which has voiced its opposition to the agreement.
The move to sign the PM SHRI scheme has faced strong criticism from Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan, who accused the government of finalizing the deal without even consulting the CPI, the second-largest party in the LDF.
Satheesan branded the decision as unilateral and claimed that the CPI(M) is acting as a “link” between the BJP and the LDF, emphasizing that the agreement was signed shortly after the Chief Minister’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“The government is now implementing the RSS agenda. CPI(M) did not even engage with its central leadership before moving forward. This indicates that the party prioritizes the BJP over its own allies,” he stated. Satheesan made it clear that while the Opposition does not oppose accepting Central funds, it contests the unconditional acceptance of the Centre’s stipulations.
He pointed out that Congress-led states entered into the PM SHRI scheme only after ensuring there were no ideological compromises.
“In this case, the government signed without raising any concerns. We oppose the blind submission to the Centre’s demands, not the funding itself,” he emphasized, adding that the cabinet and the LDF did not discuss the agreement prior to its signing.
Highlighting the political implications, Satheesan remarked that it is now up to the CPI to decide if it will continue in the LDF after facing such indignity.
He also criticized the Chief Minister for succumbing to political pressure, stating, “It was only after meeting the Prime Minister that his position shifted. The Chief Minister appears to be apprehensive of the Centre.”
Meanwhile, Adoor Prakash, convenor of the Congress-led UDF and Lok Sabha member, indicated that the UDF would welcome the CPI if it chooses to exit the LDF. “The decision is theirs to make,” Prakash concluded.