CPI-CPM Rift Deepens Over PM SHRI Project in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: Tensions within the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) escalated after the CPI refused to relent despite CPM’s attempts to placate it over the state government’s decision to sign the PM SHRI project with the Centre.

General Education Minister V Sivankutty met CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam and minister G R Anil on Saturday to explain that the decision was made to ensure the state received central funds promptly. He assured that the National Education Policy (NEP) elements under the project would not be implemented in Kerala since state syllabi and textbooks for the next two years are already finalised.

However, CPI leaders rejected this reasoning, arguing that the PM SHRI project inherently carries NEP-linked provisions, which align with the BJP-RSS education agenda. Viswam pointed out that in other states, NEP implementation had led to textbook changes that distorted historical facts.

CPI general secretary D Raja, after meeting CPM leader M A Baby in Delhi, reiterated the party’s opposition to the project, asking why Kerala couldn’t follow Tamil Nadu’s example in rejecting it outright.

The CPI has accused the CPM of violating coalition principles and collective cabinet responsibility. The matter is expected to be discussed after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan returns from abroad on October 26, ahead of the CPI’s crucial state executive meeting in Alappuzha on October 27.