Thiruvananthapuram: CPM state secretary M V Govindan on Sunday admitted that it was a mistake on the part of the Kerala government to sign the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) agreement with the Centre without consulting the Cabinet or the Left Democratic Front (LDF) allies.

The admission comes amid a rift within the ruling front after the CPI, a key LDF ally, objected to the move and accused the government of acting unilaterally. Following the row, the state government has frozen all procedures related to implementing the central scheme in the state.

When asked about the allegation that the decision was taken without informing the party or its allies, Govindan conceded the error while addressing the media. “It is true that the Cabinet, in its full sense, and the LDF alliance did not hold a discussion before taking the decision. That is a mistake, and I have already said so,” he said.

Responding to questions about his return from Taliparamba — after reports emerged that tensions had escalated within the LDF once the CPI learned about the government’s decision — Govindan appeared visibly annoyed. “Can’t a person come back from Taliparamba? Do I really need to stay there?” he asked.

“What do you mean by mediating? Are these matters that can simply be settled through mediation? Everyone is involved — the Chief Minister is intervening, central leaders are intervening, and even I am intervening. Does anyone today think you can only interfere in a matter by being physically present in one place? Can someone in Taliparamba not engage in an issue happening in Thiruvananthapuram? Technology has advanced,” he remarked.

When pressed further on why he returned, Govindan replied: “The things that had to be done after reaching here were done accordingly.”

He asserted that the controversy would not affect the LDF’s unity. “As I have said earlier, the LDF will discuss these matters again, take appropriate decisions, and move forward towards forming a third consecutive government,” Govindan said.