Thiruvananthapuram: The CPI is divided over the government’s decision to sign the PM SHRI memorandum of understanding (MoU), and is holding firm on its stance, with growing calls within the party to withdraw ministers if necessary.

Sources indicate that CPI ministers K Rajan and P Prasad have conveyed their willingness to resign. The proposal to pull out ministers has reportedly been discussed in case the CPM proceeds with the PM SHRI agreement, which the CPI considers a violation of front protocol. Party leaders have made it clear that they will not soften their position on the issue.

Meanwhile, the CPI central and state leadership’s request to cancel the MoU is not being considered by the CPM. LDF convener TP Ramakrishnan is yet to respond to CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam’s letter expressing dissatisfaction over the breach of front etiquette.

No further discussions have taken place beyond meetings between the General Education Minister, V Sivankutty and Binoy Viswam. The CPI state executive committee meeting scheduled in Alappuzha on Monday morning is expected to be decisive, with senior leaders insisting that the party should not compromise on its position.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan returned Sunday night from his foreign tour, and the CPM emergency secretariat is set to meet on Monday to discuss the PM SHRI issue. Party sources suggest Vijayan may hold talks with the CPI leadership, though no formal communication has taken place between the two parties at the state secretary level so far.