CPI, CPM remain firm on PM SHRI: No compromise, talks to continue

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The efforts to resolve differences with the CPM over the PM SHRI project failed yesterday after the CPI Secretariat, meeting online, rejected the CPM’s proposal to form a supervisory committee to ensure that the NEP syllabus is not implemented. The CPI decided to stand firm on its demand that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the project be cancelled and that the central government be officially informed of this decision.

If the dispute remains unresolved, CPI ministers are likely to boycott today’s Cabinet meeting. The meeting, originally scheduled for 10 am, has been postponed to 3:30 pm, reportedly to allow time for another round of reconciliation talks. Meanwhile, CPM state secretary MV Govindan is expected to hold discussions with CPI leaders.

After learning of the CPM’s decision, the CPI Secretariat will meet again by noon today to decide on further action. If no agreement is reached, the party may adopt a tougher stance, including permanently withdrawing from Cabinet meetings. CPI ministers had sent a letter to the Chief Minister in Alappuzha yesterday, stating that they would not attend Cabinet meetings unless there was a change in policy regarding the project. The CPI state council is also meeting right before the next Cabinet session.

Election preparations could be disrupted
With local body elections likely to be announced by November 5, failure to resolve the dispute could upset the Left Front’s poll preparations. CPM general secretary MA Baby, who was in the capital, conveyed the proposed supervisory committee idea to CPI secretary Binoy Viswam via phone. Baby will travel to Bihar today. For now, there will be no national-level intervention in the dispute. The CPM has decided firmly that the MoU cannot be cancelled. The Chief Minister is reportedly displeased that the CPI remains uncompromising even after his personal efforts to mediate. CPM leaders are also unhappy that the CPI’s stance is creating turmoil within the alliance ahead of two major elections.

MoU should be cancelled: CPI
1. The Cabinet never approved the signing of the PM SHRI MoU, nor was the department secretary authorised to sign it.
2. No official order has been issued, and the MoU lacks government approval.
3. The Cabinet should formally decide to cancel the MoU and notify the Centre.

CPM’s stand: Cannot lose project funds
1. The state will not withdraw from the project and must claim the funds it is entitled to. The NEP syllabus will not be taught.
2. A supervisory committee will be appointed to ensure the NEP syllabus is not implemented.
3. The committee will include CPI and other Left Front representatives.