Why Is Kerala CPI Upset Over the PM-SHRI Agreement?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Conflicts arise within the CPI regarding the PM-SHRI project.
- Binoy Viswam criticizes the decision-making process.
- The CPI is planning to discuss potential actions in an upcoming meeting.
- CPI(M) defends the agreement amidst criticism.
- Political tensions are likely to influence future governance in Kerala.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 24 (NationPress) The PM-SHRI (Prime Minister’s Schools for Rising India) initiative was not addressed during discussions among the Left Democratic Front (LDF), as stated by CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam on Friday.
“Decisions cannot be made while keeping the CPI uninformed. This is not the manner of the LDF. Signing the PM-SHRI project without prior notice breaches the LDF norms,” he asserted, claiming that this decision was made without any prior consultation.
Viswam stressed that policy decisions cannot be unilaterally decided by a single minister, labeling the action as undemocratic and calling for necessary corrections.
He mentioned that whether strict measures are needed would be determined at the party executive meeting scheduled for October 27. He indicated that the government has been notified, and correspondences have also been dispatched to the front convener and other party members.
In a parallel development, CPI National Secretary D. Raja has called for the annulment of the agreement. Previously, Binoy Viswam had claimed that the decision to endorse the PM-SHRI project involved a significant conspiracy.
In a letter directed to CPI General Secretary D. Raja, he raised critical allegations, stating that the CPI(M) had breached front protocols and that Education Minister V. Sivankutty acted independently.
He urged the national leadership to treat this issue with gravity, asserting that signing the agreement has undermined the LDF’s resistance to the central government.
Conversely, CPI(M) State Secretary M.V. Govindan remarked that the government cannot execute all LDF policies due to various constraints.
“The central government is imposing conditions on all initiatives in a manner that adversely impacts states like Kerala,” he asserted. Govindan also acknowledged that the CPI’s apprehensions regarding the PM-SHRI project would be addressed and resolved. Despite the CPI's strong opposition, the CPI-M State Secretariat, which convened earlier in the day, resolved that the state would remain engaged with the PM-SHRI project.
Meanwhile, during the CPI’s secretariat meeting, four state ministers from the party reportedly indicated that they are prepared to resign from the cabinet.
As both Communist factions maintain their positions, Monday is anticipated to be a pivotal day for the Pinarayi Vijayan government, as the CPI deliberates on its future course of action.
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