Thiruvananthapuram: CPM state secretary M V Govindan criticised the media over controversies related to the PM SHRI scheme, saying that the media had “no hesitation in spreading nonsense”. He alleged that efforts were being made to create stories out of nothing.

Addressing a press conference, Govindan asserted that there was no disagreement within the Left Democratic Front (LDF) regarding the PM SHRI project. “There is no doubt that the funds are due to Kerala,” he said, adding that the Union government had not released the money owed to the state and was imposing restrictions across sectors.

He said that the Centre was adopting policies adversely affecting states, including Kerala. “We have always opposed such conditions — both then and now,” Govindan added.

‘Congress has no right to comment’

M V Govindan alleged that it was the Congress governments who had first signed the PM SHRI Scheme. “Congress has no moral right to comment on this. The money belongs to the people — it is the country’s money and must be given to the states,” he said.

He also accused the Congress of remaining silent instead of demanding the state’s rightful share. “Ideologically, we oppose the conditions of the PM SHRI scheme. The Left Front will discuss the matter and move forward together. We will study the issues and resolve them,” he stated.

Govindan said that the CPI, along with the CPM, would hold detailed discussions on the issue. “We will deliberate on it properly and find a collective solution. The Left Front will stand united and fight against the Centre,” he asserted.

‘Kerala is moving ahead’

He noted that conditionalities from the Centre had existed since the time of Indira Gandhi, but were becoming more stringent now.

Calling the CPI a “major partner” in the LDF, Govindan said it remained the most important party in the alliance after the CPM.

“Kerala is transforming into a state without extreme poverty — a development that surprises even global observers,” he said. He added that on November 1, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan would make an exciting announcement during Kerala Piravi celebrations.

“Mammootty, Mohanlal and Kamal Haasan will attend the event, where the message of a ‘New Kerala’ will be declared to the world,” Govindan added. He stated that Kerala Piravi Day would be celebrated as Nava Kerala Piravi Day from this year onwards.