No discussion within LDF; violation of front principles: CPI slams CPM over PM SHRI scheme

Thiruvananthapuram: CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam on Friday criticised the CPM-led LDF government for moving forward with the Centre’s PM SHRI scheme, alleging that the decision was taken without consulting coalition partners or even holding a discussion in the state Cabinet.

Viswam said that when a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for such a major initiative is signed, its legal and policy aspects should be discussed within the LDF and among constituent parties.

Speaking to the media after the CPI state secretariat meeting, Viswam said that the party’s state executive would meet on October 27 to discuss the political course ahead.

“This is not what we expected. The LDF does not usually take serious decisions in this manner. Decency and mutual respect must be shown both in word and action,” Viswam said.

Viswam said the CPI and other constituent parties came to know about the agreement only through media reports, and not through any official briefing.

“We do not know what promises were made to Kerala under this scheme. Every party in the Left Front has the right to be informed about such matters. But this was never discussed in the LDF,” he said.

He added, “The LDF represents a left alternative in Indian politics, and that mission must be upheld. When the LDF government in Kerala signs such a serious agreement, it must inform and consult its constituent parties. We fail to understand the reasoning behind keeping everyone uninformed.”

Viswam said that even within the state Cabinet, the issue had not been discussed. “The matter came before the Cabinet twice in the past, but it was deferred for further policy discussion. Now, without any deliberation or consultation, the government has gone ahead with it. This is not the style or culture of the LDF,” he opined. 

Earlier today, Govindan said there was no change in the party’s position and that the issues raised by allies could be amicably resolved through discussions.

“Kerala is entitled to receive Rs 8,000 crore under the PM SHRI project. The Centre must release the funds without imposing conditions that undermine the state’s fiscal autonomy,” he said.

Accusing the Union Government of adopting policies detrimental to states like Kerala, Govindan said the Centre was placing stringent terms that could adversely impact economic growth.

“We oppose policy conditions that amount to an economic blockade on States,” he added.

Govindan, however, clarified that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government cannot implement every policy decision of the Front.

“The government has its own limitations. It cannot carry out every LDF policy decision,” he said.

The CPM State Secretariat, which met under Govindan’s chairmanship, decided not to withdraw from the project despite the CPI’s strong opposition.

The CPM leader pointed out that Congress-ruled states were the first to sign the PM SHRI agreement in the country.

However, he reiterated that the Centre’s scheme imposes fiscal restrictions that effectively act as an economic blockade against states such as Kerala.

“We oppose such policy-driven conditionalities,” he asserted.

The CPI has accused the government of violating front discipline by signing the agreement unilaterally, ignoring an earlier assurance from CPI-M leader M.A. Baby that the issue would first be discussed within the LDF.

The party contends that the move undermines Left unity and has resolved to convey its dissatisfaction to the CPM national leadership.

Despite internal dissent, the CPM leadership remains firm on proceeding with the PM SHRI initiative, maintaining that the financial benefits due to Kerala cannot be forfeited over policy disagreements. IANS