Left Front rift widens as Sivankutty, Binoy Viswam lock horns over PM SHRI project

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Education Minister V. Sivankutty has openly criticised the CPI over the PM SHRI scheme controversy, saying that no one needs to teach the CPM how to practice leftist politics. CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam hit back, saying he is not the one to teach the Education Minister- that responsibility, he said, lies with M.A. Baby and M.V. Govindan.

The dispute over the PM SHRI scheme has once again created tension within the Left Democratic Front (LDF). Sivankutty’s remarks against Binoy Viswam highlighted the growing rift between the CPM and CPI. The controversy began after the government, reportedly under pressure from the CPI, sent a letter to the Centre temporarily halting participation in the PM SHRI scheme. Sivankutty’s criticism was directed at Binoy Viswam’s earlier statement calling the letter “a victory for Left politics.”

“The letter to the Centre is neither a victory nor a defeat for anyone. It’s wrong to view it as one group’s win and another’s loss. It’s clear whom Binoy Viswam’s remarks were aimed at. We are not fools. The cabinet subcommittee on PM SHRI was even mocked by some sections. Kerala has not completely withdrawn from the scheme; it is only temporarily paused,” Sivankutty said at a press conference.

“We are not here to do a post-mortem of who abandoned leftist values and when. Nor is this the time to measure who fought or sacrificed at the national level,” he added.

‘If funds don’t come, I’m not responsible’: Minister

Sivankutty expressed concern about whether the central funds would now be sanctioned after the letter.

“If the state fails to get around Rs 1,300 crore for the SSK project, the responsibility will not be mine as Education Minister. Those responsible should take it,” he said.

‘LDF politics comes first’: Binoy Viswam

CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam said the decision was a victory for Left politics.

“I am not angry; my political sense doesn’t allow that. Everyone should have that political maturity. LDF politics is greater than everything else. I don’t know why Sivankutty is so provoked,” he said.

‘Central funds are our right, not a favour’: Sivankutty

“Funds provided through central schemes are Kerala’s right, not a favour,” Sivankutty said.

He added that funds are used for departments that have been neglected, and that seeking such funds is part of the state’s constitutional duty and commitment to the people.

“Even our initial discussions on joining the PM SHRI scheme were based only on parts that didn’t contradict Kerala’s education laws and curriculum. Upholding secular and progressive education is the Left’s firm stand, and there will be no compromise on that. Kerala’s public education reforms are not dependent on any central scheme,” he said.