Kerala LDF Faces Internal Crisis Over PM SHRI Scheme MoU
CPI slams CPI(M) for signing central education scheme deal.
A bitter feud has erupted within Kerala’s ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) after the state’s General Education Department signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Central government to join the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme. The decision, made without prior approval from the state Cabinet, has sparked fierce criticism from the Communist Party of India (CPI), a key ally of the dominant Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], exposing deep cracks in the coalition’s unity.
CPI MP P Santosh Kumar lambasted the move, calling it a “self-goal” and demanding accountability from those who “signed the agreement with a towel on their head.” He specifically called out CPI(M) leader M A Baby for a detailed explanation, highlighting the growing tensions between the coalition partners. The CPI accused the CPI(M) of sidelining allies by bypassing coalition consensus, a move that has fueled resentment within the LDF.
The PM SHRI scheme, a flagship initiative under the National Education Policy (NEP), aims to upgrade infrastructure in two schools per block across Kerala, with the Central government providing approximately ₹1 crore per school annually for five years. However, the CPI has long opposed the scheme, fearing it could open the door to the broader implementation of the NEP, which the Left has resisted due to concerns over centralization and commercialization of education. Additional unease stems from the requirement to display boards identifying schools as PM SHRI institutions, seen by critics as a branding exercise by the Central government.
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The controversy marks a significant escalation in internal discord, as the CPI had previously succeeded in delaying the state’s participation in the scheme twice. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s government, led by the CPI(M), ultimately proceeded with the MoU, setting aside objections and intensifying the rift.
With local and assembly elections looming, the public dispute threatens to undermine the LDF’s cohesion and electoral prospects. Political analysts warn that the visible fracture could embolden opposition parties, raising questions about the Left’s ability to maintain a united front in the face of growing challenges.
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