Difficult to back out from PM Shri deal, says CM, CPI likely to tighten stand

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There are concerns on whether the CPI will tighten their stand over the PM Shri project. They are firm in their stand and wants the government to withdraw from the project. A decision will be taken at the party's state executive meet to be convened here today. It is hinted that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had called CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam and informed him that it is difficult to back out of the agreement. It is reported that he had informed the CPI that as the agreement has been signed, they would go forward and that the funds are important.

The chief minister has requested not to take a tough stand. Meantime, it is reported that Binoy Viswam had also expressed his displeasure to the chief minister. Binoy Viswam told media that an ideologically and politically correct decision will be taken at the CPI state executive. He also denied the news of the chief minister calling him. A decision on whether the ministers would be withdrawn from the cabinet will be known today. The CPI feels that the agreement was signed without discussion in the cabinet.

The front leadership is also making efforts to reach a consensus that will save the face of both parties. The CPI state executive meeting is scheduled for 10 am today at the Alappuzha district committee office. The chief minister is in Alappuzha today. When the Punnapra Vayalar annual general meeting is inaugurated in Vayalar at 5 pm, CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam will also be present in that venue. So, both fronts want to end the issue before that.