Alappuzha: The Communist Party of India (CPI) remains steadfast in its stance against signing the PM SHRI memorandum of understanding (MoU). The party reiterated its position during the state executive committee meeting held in Alappuzha on Monday, where leaders unanimously rejected any compromise.

According to party sources, there is currently no situation that warrants backing down or yielding ground.

A final announcement on the issue will be made after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan meets CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam. Following the executive meeting in Alappuzha, Viswam declined to speak to the media.

According to reports from within the CPI, the party is even prepared to withdraw its ministers from the government if necessary. Ministers K Rajan and P Prasad are said to have expressed willingness to resign. Meanwhile, the CPM maintains that the demand to cancel the signed MoU cannot be accepted.

Minister V Sivankutty reportedly visited Binoy Viswam at the M N Memorial, the CPI state headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram, in an effort to defuse tensions, but the CPI leadership refused to change its position.

Given the escalating tensions, the meeting between the Chief Minister and Binoy Viswam is seen as crucial. The Chief Minister returned from an overseas trip on Sunday night, and further decisions are expected after their discussions. Both leaders are scheduled to share the stage at the Punnapra-Vayalar Martyrs’ Day commemoration later in the evening, following a private meeting at the guest house around 3.30 pm.

The controversy erupted because the state government signed the PM SHRI MoU without consulting the LDF partners. Even several Ministers who are members of the state secretariat were reportedly unaware of the decision. The signing followed a meeting between Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on October 9. Afterwards, General Education secretary K Vasuki travelled to Delhi last Thursday and signed the MoU with the Union Government.

The CPI has termed the move a breach of front protocol, with Binoy Viswam publicly questioning, “If this is not an LDF government, then what kind of government is this?”

CPI general secretary D Raja also voiced his dissatisfaction, criticising the lack of consultation before signing the agreement.