Pinarayi-Binoy Viswam meeting fails; CPI hell-bent on revoking PM Shri scheme

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s attempts to pacify CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam over the PM Shri squabble did not yield any results. CPI ministers will not participate in tomorrow's cabinet meeting, as per reports.

The turmoil within the Left Front ahead of the announcement of the local body elections brought jitters within the LDF camp. With chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan involved, many expected a truce on cards, but an unwavering CPI foiled CPM plans.

The Chief Minister and Binoy Viswam discussed the matter for about three hours, from 3:30 pm, in room number 309 of the Alappuzha guesthouse. The Chief Minister encouraged discussions other than withdrawal from the scheme. Binoy Viswam also stood firm in his stance of withdrawal. He also pointed out the lack of propriety in the government's decision-making process, as they did not consult it in the front.

Later, CPI ministers K. Rajan, G. R. Anil and P. Prasad also met the Chief Minister. They also expressed their disagreement with the hasty decision being taken without consulting the front.

As the meeting of the ministers with the Chief Minister continued, Binoy Viswam arrived again to join in the meeting, but a consensus remained far-fetched.

1. Yesterday at 9 am, the CPM secretariat met at the AKG Centre to discuss the issue. In the meeting, which was attended by General Secretary MA Baby and the Chief Minister, the position was taken that there should be no retreat and no yielding to pressure.

2. In the CPI secretariat meeting and the subsequent executive meeting, the leaders reached a consensus to pressure the government over the decision. There was even a suggestion that the ministers should resign. Meanwhile, Binoy received the Chief Minister's invitation for the meeting.

Chief Minister: Funds are important. We can go slowly on NEP. The project may not have to be implemented immediately. We can discuss it in LDF.

Binoy Viswam: Policy is more important than funds. We cannot go back on our stance.

Even if CPI boycotts tomorrow's cabinet meeting, chances are likely for a compromise between the two parties.