Kochi: The controversy over Kerala government’s adoption of the PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme intensified on Friday, with Opposition Leader VD Satheesan challenging the unity of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) amid the rift between the CPI and CPM. Putting the onus squarely on the CPI, Satheesan said that the party should decide on whether to stay in the alliance. Satheesan alleged that the CPM prioritised the central government and the BJP over its key ally CPI, terming the signing of the agreement a 'disgrace' to the CPI. 

“It is up to the CPI to decide whether to continue in the LDF after enduring this disgrace. They have their own credibility. If they announce their decision, we will announce ours. Can anyone remain in a front after being so humiliated?” asked Satheesan, while addressing the media in Kochi. 

He also accused the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government of ‘double standards’, claiming it opposed the scheme in public while accepting it in private. He directly questioned the motive behind the sudden policy reversal, linking it to the Chief Minister's recent meeting with the Prime Minister.

“It must be clarified what kind of political pressure was exerted on the Chief Minister of Kerala,” Satheesan demanded. “This decision has come after his meeting with the Prime Minister. The CPM had a firm stand on the PM SHRI issue. What is the reason for backtracking from it all of a sudden?” he asked.

Satheesan also highlighted the internal contradictions within the ruling front, noting that the decision appeared to bypass the LDF's own allies. “Isn't the decision taken now contrary to what CPM General Secretary MA Baby had said? Baby had told the CPI that the matter could be discussed. But when the decision was taken, none of that was considered."

Clarifying the Congress's stance, Satheesan said his party does not oppose receiving funds from the Central Government for education. Instead, he reiterated that the opposition was based on ideological grounds.

“What we oppose is the imposition of the RSS's agenda. The Congress's stance is that an attempt is underway to impose central policies on states in matters of education. An attempt is being made to impose the National Education Policy. The very people who made heroic boasts opposing all these are the ones who have now signed the PM SHRI scheme without any objection,” he said.