Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala's ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) faces internal turmoil as key ally CPI launched a revolt on Friday against CPI(M) over the state's decision to join the PM SHRI Schools scheme. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the project was signed a day earlier.

CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam said the party and other LDF constituents were kept “in the dark” and described the move as a “breach of the front's collective discipline.” He questioned the haste in signing the MoU and warned that decisions taken without consultations could undermine the Front's unity.

The CPI also raised concerns that the move could pave the way for the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) in Kerala, which the Left has traditionally resisted. The requirement to display PM SHRI boards at schools added to party unease.

Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty defended the decision, saying it was strategic to secure central funds withheld under the Samagra Shiksha programme. He said the withheld funds include Rs 188.58 crore for 2023-24, Rs 513.54 crore for 2024-25, and Rs 456.01 crore from previous years, totaling Rs 1,158.13 crore. By joining PM SHRI, the state would receive these pending funds plus current allocations, amounting to Rs 1,477.13 crore, of which Rs 971.01 crore has already been approved by the Centre.

Sivankutty clarified that signing PM SHRI does not imply acceptance of NEP 2022, describing it as a “purely technical” alignment. He said Kerala retains full control over its syllabus, including topics NCERT had removed, and that the PM SHRI label requirement is technical and does not mandate displaying the Prime Minister's name or photo.

CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan sought to pacify CPI, stating the government has no objection to receiving central funds but opposes restrictive clauses attached to schemes like PM SHRI. He alleged around Rs 8,000 crore due under central schemes has not been released and criticised Congress for remaining silent.

Congress leader and Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan said the controversy exposed “deep fissures within the LDF,” noting CPI must decide whether to tolerate the perceived insult.