Kerala’s Left Democratic Front faced fresh turbulence after CPI (key coalition partner of ruling CPM) leaders criticised the state government for signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Centre to join the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme.

CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam on Thursday said if reports are accurate, “it is a breach of the Front’s norms,” adding that the matter would be discussed in Friday’s state secretariat meeting.

CPI MP P Santosh Kumar on described the move as “a self-goal” for the coalition. “If anyone signed it without the party’s consent, they must answer,” he told media. The party stressed that opposition to this NEP-linked scheme represents the Indian Left’s position.

Background: Kerala signs PM SHRI MoU

The Kerala government formally signed the MoU with the Centre on Thursday to participate in the PM SHRI scheme, ending months of uncertainty.

The project aims to develop infrastructure in two schools from each block, with each selected school receiving an average annual assistance of Rs 1 crore for five years.

Education Minister V. Sivankutty confirmed the decision had been communicated to the Centre, instructing the department secretary to sign the agreement. “This was the only way to secure the Centre's share of Rs 1,500 crore, which is pending for various educational programmes in Kerala,” he said.

Left Front coalition rift

Although the CPM and the Department of General Education had agreed earlier to join the scheme, CPI objections had forced the state government to backtrack twice. The latest decision was taken without Cabinet approval, prompting concerns about coalition protocol.

Initially, the government opposed joining, citing fears that PM SHRI could pave the way for implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) in Kerala and objections over mandatory PM SHRI signage in schools.

CPI leaders pointed out that the MoU signing had been withheld for four years and emphasised that responses should come from the concerned minister. “The Left Front is a coalition based on mutual respect,” Santosh Kumar said, calling the recent move “unexpected and regrettable.”

Looking ahead: party discussions planned

The CPI indicated that party general secretary M.A. Baby would provide further clarity. Leaders stressed that any action taken without agreement from coalition partners breaches Front norms, underscoring growing tensions.