Are CPI Leaders Really ‘Close Friends and Brothers’?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- M.A. Baby's remarks emphasize unity among Left allies.
- The PM SHRI scheme is under further review by a subcommittee.
- Minor disagreements are viewed as normal in political alliances.
- The CPI maintains a significant role in the coalition government.
- Media speculation about discord has been addressed by Baby.
New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 31 (NationPress) CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby referred to CPI leaders as “close friends and brothers,” emphasizing that occasional differences between the two Left partners are normal and will not undermine the solidarity of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala.
The CPI(M) has opted to pause all actions regarding the PM SHRI matter, delegating it to a subcommittee for an in-depth review.
“The subcommittee will thoroughly examine the issue and provide clarity. Until a definitive decision is made, no further actions will occur,” he stated.
He indicated that his involvement in this matter is not out of the ordinary.
“I previously assured the state leadership that the central leadership would offer all necessary assistance. It’s natural for me to step in when required,” he remarked.
These comments arise amidst recent tensions within the LDF, after the CPI publicly voiced its concerns about the state government's approach to implementing the Centre’s PM SHRI scheme in Kerala.
Nonetheless, Baby dismissed rumors of discord, stating, “Certain media outlets attempted to portray a weakening front, but the Kerala leadership responded with maturity and poise.”
Highlighting the coalition's strength, Baby noted that differences of opinion within an alliance should be understood in context.
“At times, remarks may be made, but both sides recognize and accept them in the right spirit,” he commented.
He also stated that there was no reason to doubt the state leadership’s prudence.
“Those who previously claimed a policy shift have since retracted their statements,” he added.
Baby mentioned that the CPI(M) Polit Bureau has yet to formally discuss the PM SHRI issue, but it will be reviewed shortly at that level.
Incidentally, the CPI, as the second-largest ally in Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's government, expressed dissatisfaction when their cabinet representatives raised this issue but received no attention from Vijayan or State Education Minister V. Sivankutty, who proceeded to sign the MoU with the Centre.