'Signing of PM SHRI is violation of front etiquette'; CPI lashes out, likely to withdraw ministers from govt

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam has strongly criticised the Kerala government for signing the Centre’s PM SHRI scheme without consulting the Left Front allies, calling it a clear violation of front etiquette. Speaking at a press conference, he openly questioned the government’s decision and asked, “What kind of government is this?”

Speculation is growing that the CPI may boycott Cabinet meetings or even withdraw its ministers from the government. The final decision will be made at the state executive meeting in Alappuzha on October 27. With the protest now public, the key question is how far the CPI will go in opposing the move.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the government’s unilateral decision, Binoy Viswam has written to party general secretary D Raja, alleging that there may have been a “conspiracy” behind the signing of the agreement.

Sources say D Raja and other CPI national leaders have asked the party to reconsider the protest, but the CPM state leadership and the government remain firm that backing out is not an option.

First, CPM state secretary MV Govindan, and later, Education Minister V Sivankutty, defended the decision. Sivankutty said the government would not allow children to lose even a single rupee they are entitled to. Govindan added that while the CPM disagrees with the PM SHRI conditions, the state has the right to claim the funds. He also said efforts are being made to convince the CPI.

Meanwhile, an emergency meeting of the CPI state secretariat decided to stand firm on the issue and bring it to national attention. CPI’s student and youth wings- AISF and AIYF- have already launched protests. Even SFI, the CPM’s student wing, has expressed opposition to the scheme.

Why was the MoU signed, Binoy asks LDF convener

• Binoy Viswam has written to the LDF convener and other allies, saying signing the PM SHRI agreement without discussion violated front etiquette. The letter questions how such a decision was made without consulting the coalition partners. So far, no other LDF allies have made public comments on the issue.
• Reports suggest that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan brought up the matter during a Left Front meeting held at the newly renovated MN Memorial. Binoy Viswam, Minister K Rajan, and former minister E Chandrasekharan opposed the move. However, the objection was ignored when the issue later came before the Cabinet.

Possible steps before CPI

1. CPI ministers may be instructed not to attend Cabinet meetings.
2. The party could withdraw its ministers from the government - a move that would need approval from the state council.
3. Any decision to soften or reverse the stand would also require the state council’s permission.