Kerala Minister hits out at CPI's Binoy Viswam over remarks on SFIO probe against CM’s daughter

Thiruvananthapuram: General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Saturday criticised CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam's remarks on the SFIO action against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter and the implementation of the PM SHRI scheme in the state, fuelling speculation of differences between the two LDF allies.

At a press conference on Friday, Viswam had said the SFIO action against the company of Vijayan’s daughter, Veena, “did not concern the LDF”.

He was responding to questions about the CPI’s stance on the probe and whether it aligned with the CPI(M)’s view that the case was politically motivated. Viswam responded, “The party was with the Kerala CM, but the case against Veena and her company was a separate matter which has nothing to do with the LDF.”

He had also indicated the CPI’s reservations regarding the PM SHRI scheme, which aims to develop over 14,500 schools across India and improve educational quality and infrastructure. According to Viswam, the CPI views it as part of the National Education Policy (NEP), which the LDF opposes.

Rejecting Viswam’s stance, Sivankutty said, “The CPI state secretary need not be worried about Veena’s case as she is fully capable of dealing with it.” He termed the case “politically motivated” and asserted that the LDF and CPI(M) fully support the Chief Minister.

Taking a dig at Viswam, Sivankutty said, “Now thinks that we should not say government led by Pinarayi Vijayan” and pointed out that the government is referred to as “government led by LDF leader Pinarayi Vijayan”.

“That is how it is mentioned even in the Cabinet agendas. It will be like that if Binoy Viswam becomes CM. Therefore, there is no need to be jealous or envious is what I would like to say,” he told reporters.

Regarding the CPI’s opposition to the PM SHRI scheme, Sivankutty questioned, “Just because it is central funds, why should we refuse it? By implementing the PM SHRI scheme, the LDF government will not be going back on its education policy. Academic matters in the state will be governed according to the education law and rules in place here.”

He added that Viswam’s views expressed at the press conference should have been brought up in an LDF meeting instead.

PTI