Kerala Congress Chief Sunny Joseph on Monday claimed that the state government's recent decision to join the Centre's PM SHRI scheme provided definitive proof of a "secret alliance" between the ruling CPI(M) and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
He alleged that the Marxist party's long-standing covert relationship has now been exposed. "It was part of this secret understanding that the general education minister has announced the state's decision to join the PM SHRI without even discussing in the Cabinet," Joseph alleged.
Expressing support for the CPI leaders who openly voiced their reservation about the Education Department's move, the KPCC president sought clarification on whether they would maintain their opposition. "People of the state and the opposition would like to know about it. If the CPI stands by it, we will extend support," he said, citing that the CPI had made similar statements in the past but later retracted them. Accusing the CPI(M) of "dominating" the LDF, he called on the other constituent parties in the front to state their definitive position on the PM SHRI matter.
The Congress leader further alleged that the CPI(M) has received political favours and other benefits from the BJP, and publicly asked CM Pinarayi Vijayan to clarify whether the matter would be discussed in the Cabinet. He suggested that this unstated favouritism was why the BJP leadership remained silent when reports recently emerged regarding the Enforcement Directorate (ED) notice issued to the Chief Minister's son.
Earlier in the day, LDF Convenor TP Ramakrishnan stated that the ruling front's general policy is to ensure that Kerala receives the maximum possible funds from the Centre. He suggested that government departments are permitted to take individual decisions in this regard without deviating from the overall party policy. The senior leader's comments came a day after General Education Minister V Sivankutty announced the state would join the PM SHRI scheme to secure due central funds.
Speaking to reporters, Ramakrishnan maintained that the Minister's action aligns with the general policy of the LDF, which is designed to ensure maximum deserved funding from the union government. He also accused the Centre of denying Kerala its rightful funds and eligible tax share, and of attempting to financially destroy the state. He stressed that even amidst these difficulties, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other ministers have chosen to approach the Centre again to secure deserved allocations.
"When the matter came up earlier, the LDF adopted a stand that steps should be taken to get maximum funds from the union government. The Education Department's present decision is also part of that. These all are administrative matters," he explained. The LDF convenor, however, asserted that they cannot accept the Centre's fundamental approach regarding PM SHRI and would continue to oppose it. Citing practical issues faced by the state when opting out of such central schemes, he said all departments can adopt an independent stance by adhering to the LDF's general policy. If any other issue pertaining to the matter arises, it should be discussed in detail, he added.
Asked why the state government is not approaching the Supreme Court over the matter, similar to Tamil Nadu, Ramakrishnan pointed out that the neighbouring state has adequate revenue, but Kerala does not. He did not give a clear reply, however, to a query about the differences of opinion raised by the CPI, a key partner in the LDF.
Education Minister Sivankutty had confirmed the state would join the PM SHRI scheme to receive due central funds on Sunday, but firmly asserted that Kerala would not deviate from its existing educational policy. He had argued that every citizen of the country deserves Central funds, and therefore, there was no reason for Kerala to reject them. While the CPI expressed reservations about this policy shift, its representative in the ministry, Revenue Minister K. Rajan, said the matter was not discussed in the Cabinet.
The BJP both welcomed the Minister's announcement and strongly criticised the CPI(M)-led government's "two years of unnecessary opposition and stubbornness" before eventually joining the scheme. The Saffron party's state chief, Rajiv Chandrasekhar, had termed the state government's change of heart as "CPI(M)’s admission that Union government's stand and National Education Policy were correct". Official sources have confirmed that more than 14,500 existing Central, state, and local body-run schools will be strengthened and upgraded as PM SHRI schools.
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