Kerala’s PM SHRI move exposes 'secret CPI(M)-BJP alliance': Congress
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Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief Sunny Joseph on Monday alleged that the state government’s decision to join the Centre’s PM SHRI scheme reveals a “secret alliance” between the ruling CPI(M) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Joseph claimed that the Marxist party’s long-standing covert ties with the BJP have now become evident. “It was part of this secret understanding that the General Education Minister announced the state’s decision to join the PM SHRI scheme without even discussing it in the Cabinet,” he alleged.
Expressing support for CPI leaders who voiced concerns over the Education Department’s decision, the KPCC president urged them to clarify whether they would maintain their stand. “People of the state and the opposition want to know. If the CPI stands firm on its stance, we will extend our support,” he said.
Joseph further alleged that the CPI had made similar statements in the past but later retracted them. Accusing the CPI(M) of “dominating” the Left Democratic Front (LDF), he called upon other constituent parties to clarify their position on the PM SHRI issue.
The Congress leader also claimed that the CPI(M) has been receiving political favours and other benefits from the BJP. He demanded that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan clarify whether the decision would be discussed in the Cabinet. “That is why the BJP leadership remained silent when reports surfaced recently regarding the Enforcement Directorate (ED) notice to the Chief Minister’s son,” Joseph alleged.
Earlier in the day, LDF Convenor T P Ramakrishnan defended the government’s decision, saying the ruling front’s general policy is to ensure that Kerala receives the maximum possible funds from the Centre. He stated that government departments can take individual decisions in line with this approach without deviating from the party’s broader policy.
Ramakrishnan’s remarks followed General Education Minister V Sivankutty’s announcement on Sunday that Kerala would join the PM SHRI scheme to secure its share of central funds.
Speaking to reporters, the LDF convenor said the Minister’s move aligns with the LDF’s policy of ensuring maximum financial assistance from the Union government. He, however, accused the Centre of denying Kerala its rightful share of tax revenue and attempting to “financially weaken” the state.
“Even amid these challenges, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other ministers have taken a stand to approach the Centre again to secure deserved allocations for Kerala. The Education Department’s present decision is also part of that. These are administrative matters,” Ramakrishnan said.
He maintained that the LDF continues to oppose the Centre’s overall approach to the PM SHRI scheme but acknowledged the practical challenges of staying away from such central initiatives. “All departments can take independent stands while adhering to the LDF’s general policy. If any issue arises, it should be discussed in detail,” he added.
When asked why the Kerala government has not approached the Supreme Court like Tamil Nadu regarding the matter, Ramakrishnan said the neighbouring state has adequate revenue, unlike Kerala.
He also avoided giving a direct answer to questions about the CPI’s objections to the decision, despite being a key LDF partner.
On Sunday, Education Minister V Sivankutty had announced that Kerala would participate in the PM SHRI scheme to obtain due central funds, while stressing that the state would not deviate from its own education policy. “Every citizen of the country deserves central funds, and there is no reason for Kerala to stay away from it,” he said.
However, the CPI, an important LDF constituent, expressed reservations over this policy shift. Its representative in the ministry, Revenue Minister K Rajan, stated that the issue had not been discussed in the Cabinet.
Meanwhile, the BJP welcomed the decision, while criticising the CPI(M)-led government for its “two years of unnecessary opposition and stubbornness” before joining the scheme. State BJP president Rajiv Chandrasekhar described the move as “CPI(M)’s admission that the Union government’s stand and National Education Policy were correct.”
According to official sources, more than 14,500 existing schools run by central, state, and local bodies across the country will be strengthened and upgraded under the PM SHRI scheme.
With PTI inputs