CPI(M)–CPI standoff over PM SHRI eases; decision put on backburner

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Thiruvananthapuram: With the CPI(M) stepping back from confrontation, the turbulence within Kerala’s ruling LDF triggered by ally CPI’s objection to implementing the PM SHRI Schools project has eased. The matter, for now, has been put on the backburner.

A state cabinet meeting held last evening decided to constitute a ministerial sub-committee, with representation from all front constituents, to examine the implications of implementing the scheme in Kerala. The decision was announced by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during his post-cabinet briefing.

It was evident that the CPI(M), as the lead partner, did not want the conflict to escalate, fearing potential damage to the LDF ahead of the local body elections, expected to be announced within a week. The civic polls are widely seen as a precursor to the assembly elections scheduled for early next year.

The CPI, too, softened its earlier hardline stance that only scrapping the state’s agreement with the Centre on the PM SHRI project would be acceptable.

In all likelihood, the government may avoid taking a definitive stand during its remaining months in office, as any decision could prove politically inconvenient during the election campaign.

Also Read: LDF’s Well-knit Image Takes a Beating as CPI Red-flags PM SHRI School Project

PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) is a centrally sponsored scheme offering substantial financial support to participating states and Union Territories.

Both CPI(M) and CPI have been vocal critics of the BJP government’s reforms in the education sector, particularly those linked to the National Education Policy (NEP). The Left has described the NEP as politically biased, regressive, and aligned with the RSS’s broader ideological objectives.

Despite these ideological reservations, the availability of central funds persuaded the General Education Department (GED) to sign the agreement with the Centre. However, the GED reportedly moved ahead without consulting other coalition partners, overlooking political sensitivities and coalition norms.

The CPI pointed out that the national leadership of both CPI(M) and CPI had strongly opposed the NEP. The party argued that when the country’s only Left-ruled state shifts its policy position, it sends an adverse signal to the wider Left-liberal constituency.

However, the CPI(M)’s state leadership maintained that entering into an agreement with the Centre does not imply acceptance of the centrally prescribed curriculum. They reminded that Kerala had earlier rejected the revised NCERT textbooks.