Kochi: The over four decades of CPM-CPI tie-up in Kerala has gone sour due to the CPM-led government’s “unilateral” decision to adopt Centre’s (PM-SHRI).
The CPM, formed after breaking away from the CPI in 1964 following ideological differences, has remained together since 1979 in Kerala.
Four decades after the association leading to the formation of a Left Front Government led by E K Nayanar in 1979, the alliance is in the midst of a turmoil following Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on ‘PM Schools for Rising India’ (PM-SHRI) scheme under the National Education Policy (NEP) leading to division.The CPI is against PM-Shri which it sees as a move by the BJP to saffronise education sector in the state.
Even CPM’s students’ wing SFI opposing the government has caused immense humiliation to the government.
Kerala Congress (M) has come out in support of the government. Amidst the political turmoil, the Central Ministry of Education praised the Kerala government. In an official post on its X handle, the Ministry “congratulated the Government of Kerala for signing the MoU for the implementation of the PM SHRI initiative across the State.”
With local bodies and Assembly elections approaching fast, there are speculations that the CPI is looking for an excuse to quit the coalition.
As the Left front is facing allegations in the Sabarimala gold robbery case, the CPI wants to save its skin from the issue.
Fissure in LDF
