CPM has forgotten even the basic party decorum, this can’t be taken lightly: Binoy Viswam | Interview

Thiruvananthapuram: The rift within the Left Democratic Front (LDF) over Kerala signing the PM SHRI scheme under the National Education Policy (NEP) continues to deepen.

CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam spoke to Mathrubhumi explaining his party’s stand and concerns.

Why is the CPI opposing PM SHRI?

Our opposition is both ideological and political. PM SHRI is designed to showcase the so-called merits of the National Education Policy. But NEP is a mechanism to stealthily push the RSS agenda. If a Left government accepts such a policy, it will weaken the Left’s movement in the education sector across the country. That is why we oppose it.

The government signed the agreement secretly, didn’t it?

We don’t know why it was done secretly. When a matter has been deferred for clarity, the Cabinet must be informed before any decision is made. Signing the MoU without consulting the Cabinet or the LDF is not an acceptable style of functioning. Front decorum is not just a fancy word; it’s a fundamental principle. Every party in the front has the right to know what’s happening. The CPM's disregard for even basic decorum cannot be taken lightly.

Doesn’t the Education Department have the right to decide on such a scheme?

Policy matters are not decided by departments or secretaries; they must be discussed by political leadership. The LDF is the platform meant for such decisions. It represents the united stand against communal and fascist threats. The CPM must understand the deeper meaning of a ‘Left democratic alternative’.

The government reportedly withdrew from its stand despite legal advice to move to court. Why?

Tamil Nadu went to the Supreme Court and achieved at least a temporary success. But instead of exploring that route, our government was persuaded that accepting the scheme was the only option. That is a serious concern. The government had considered legal action — a team of officials even went to Delhi to file a petition in the Supreme Court, but returned for unknown reasons. Those responsible must explain why.

Now that the MoU has been signed, can the government still withdraw?

What happened was a mistake, and it should be corrected. The MoU signed by the secretary is an administrative action, not a government agreement. It becomes valid only after the Governor’s approval, which has not happened. So, the government can still withdraw. The matter was deferred by the Cabinet for policy clarity, and officials had no authority to sign it. Only the Cabinet has that right.

Do you expect the issue to be resolved?

We hope that both parties will show similar understanding and resolve the issue. If not, we’ll deal with it when the time comes.

Will this dispute affect the possibility of a third LDF government?

As the LDF prepares for a third term, there should be no ambiguity or differences on such crucial matters. We believe the CPM will play its part in ensuring ideological clarity. An LDF without ideological conviction is right-wing politics. We cannot afford to mortgage our principles.