Thiruvananthapuram: The Communist Party of India (CPI), a key ally in Kerala’s ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), is signaling a severe escalation against the Education Department’s decision to join the Central Government’s ‘PM SHRI’ education scheme, overriding explicit party opposition. Reports suggest a strong demand within the CPI for taking drastic measures, including a potential boycott of cabinet meetings.
The general sentiment within the CPI is that the unilateral signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)—disregarding even an assurance from CPM General Secretary M. A. Baby that the matter would be discussed within the LDF—is unacceptable. The party is preparing for a confrontation, leveraging the violation of coalition etiquette as its primary weapon. A boycott of Cabinet meetings is among the stern options currently under consideration.
The CPI has also decided to approach the national leadership of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) to register its strong protest, arguing that the Education Department’s action undermines the cohesion of the Left parties.
CPI to Seek National Leadership Intervention
The CPI is expected to mount its opposition to the state government’s decision to accept the PM SHRI scheme by raising the issue with its national leadership. While the matter is not officially on the agenda for today’s CPI Central Secretariat meeting, sources indicate that a discussion is inevitable.
MP Santosh Kumar had previously stated that the issue was yet to be discussed by the national leadership. He added that the party would offer further comments only after the CPM clarifies its official stance on the matter.
Kerala Signs PM SHRI MoU Despite Opposition
Kerala proceeded to sign the PM SHRI MoU with the Central Government yesterday, despite the intense resistance from the CPI. The document was signed by the State Education Secretary. Following the agreement, the Centre reportedly assured the immediate release of the ₹1500 crore SSK (Samagra Shiksha Kerala) fund, which had been withheld.
The fact that Kerala signed the agreement for a scheme that the CPI had opposed three times, including within the cabinet, is the driving factor behind the ally’s contemplation of severe retaliatory action.
