The Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) have publicly aligned on their stance regarding the Centre's PM SHRI (Prime Minister Schools for Rising India) school scheme, according to CPI State secretary Binoy Viswam. Speaking to journalists on June 29, 2026, Viswam dismissed allegations made by the United Democratic Front (UDF) that the CPI(M) had secretly agreed to the scheme without informing its Left allies. The UDF had previously claimed that the CPI(M) had taken a unilateral decision to support the initiative, which it argued undermined the unity among left-wing parties.
Viswam categorically denied these claims, asserting that the CPI(M) had not proceeded with the PM SHRI scheme and called the UDF's accusation "a blatant lie." He further stated that Kerala had not received any financial assistance under the scheme. His remarks came during a period of heightened political tension between the Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by the CPI and CPI(M), and the UDF, which has been engaging in a series of public disputes. Both factions have accused each other of compromising their ideological principles by allegedly endorsing policies perceived to align with the Sangh Parivar agenda—referring to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliated organizations.
In addition to addressing the PM SHRI controversy, Viswam took the opportunity to criticize the ruling party's handling of certain administrative matters. He referenced an allegation by veteran journalist R. Rajagopal that his passport renewal had been delayed following his name's removal from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Viswam labeled this situation as a "witch-hunt" orchestrated by the BJP-led central government, suggesting that the action was politically motivated. In response, he informed that the CPI had already written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting his intervention to address the issue.
Furthermore, Viswam criticized the UDF's recent budget proposals, arguing that they reflected a shift toward a pro-feudal stance. Specifically, he pointed to the proposed Mission Samudra project, which he contended would result in the exploitation of coastal areas and the unauthorized extraction of mineral resources. This critique underscores the broader ideological divide between the LDF and the UDF, with the former advocating for more equitable resource distribution and the latter being accused of favoring elite interests.
The political landscape in Kerala remains volatile, with the LDF and UDF locked in a bitter rivalry that extends beyond policy differences into personal attacks and accusations of betrayal. The PM SHRI issue has become a focal point of this conflict, with both sides using it to challenge each other's credibility and loyalty to leftist principles. As the debate continues, the actions and statements of leaders like Viswam will likely play a significant role in shaping the future dynamics of the state's political scene.
Looking ahead, the situation surrounding the PM SHRI scheme and related issues such as passport renewals and budgetary decisions will remain critical for both parties. The outcome of these developments could influence voter sentiment and potentially alter the balance of power in upcoming elections. Meanwhile, the continued friction between the LDF and UDF suggests that the political tensions in Kerala are far from resolved, and the coming months may bring further shifts in the state's political narrative.
4 reports
The HinduIndependentLeft20 hr. agoThe Kerala government's proposal to consider four potential locations for a new AIIMS hospital has drawn criticism from the CPI(M)'s Kozhikode district leadership. They argue the move marginalizes their region by suggesting alternative sites rather than focusing on Kinalur, where land and infrastructure are already prepared. CPI(M) leaders highlight that the previous LDF government had secured land in Kinalur and initiated acquisition processes, with environmental assessments underway. Meanwhile, state health minister K. Muraleedharan stated the government would not push for a specific site, allowing the central government to choose from the four options. Opposition MLA P.A. Mohamed Riyas echoed concerns, noting the LDF had previously selected Kinalur based on detailed research, while officials claimed the delay in federal approval stemmed from the state's insistence on a single location.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the CPI(M)'s objection as a legitimate concern about regional marginalization, emphasizing the existing preparations in Kozhikode. While it presents both sides (state officials justify the multi-location approach as necessary due to federal delays), the emphasis on the CPI(M)'s 'v
The HinduIndependentLeft4 days ago CPI, CPI(M) on the same page over PM SHRI, says Binoy ViswamCPI State secretary Binoy Viswam claims that both CPI and CPI(M) share the same stance against the PM SHRI school scheme, dismissing allegations that CPI(M) joined the initiative without informing CPI. He accuses the UDF of lying about this and asserts Kerala has not received funds under the scheme. The remarks come during tensions between the LDF and UDF, with mutual accusations of aligning with the Sangh Parivar agenda. Viswam also criticizes the BJP-led government for allegedly holding up his passport renewal and seeks PM Modi's intervention. Additionally, he accuses the UDF of promoting a pro-feudalist budget through its Mission Samudra project, which he claims threatens coastal regions and mineral resources.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the CPI and CPI(M) as united against the PM SHRI scheme, while criticizing the UDF and BJP-led government as aligned with right-wing agendas. The emphasis on the Left's resistance to 'Sangh Parivar' and the accusation of a 'witch-hunt' against the CPI leader leans left. The focus,
The HinduIndependentCenter4 days ago Kerala Plus One admission: 81,770 students get seats in final stage of main phase allotmentIn Kerala, 81,770 students received fresh allotments in the third and final stage of the main phase for admission to Plus One higher secondary courses. This brings the total number of allotments in the three stages to 311,204. With a total of 317,126 seats available—including those for differently abled students—only 5,922 merit seats remain unfilled. Malappuram district had the highest number of fresh allotments at 18,987, leaving just 71 seats vacant. Kozhikode followed with 8,955 allotments and 49 seats remaining.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual data on student admissions and seat allocations without any apparent ideological framing or biased language. It focuses purely on statistical outcomes and does not involve political commentary or controversy.
The HinduIndependentCenter5 days ago Speaker refutes claims over silence on LDF liquor policyThe Kerala Legislative Assembly Speaker, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, denied allegations that he did not oppose changes to the state's liquor policy during the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) administration. He stated that he had raised strong objections to three proposals related to reducing taxes on premium liquor brands, allowing bar licenses in IT hubs, and promoting gambling, which were considered by the Assembly Subject Committee in 2022. Radhakrishnan emphasized that he ensured his objections were documented in the official minutes of the meetings. He accused opponents of spreading misinformation to falsely portray him as having supported the policy changes, asserting that his stance has been consistent.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the speaker's rebuttal to allegations against him regarding the liquor policy without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from the speaker and does not introduce external commentary or biased language that would indicate a clear ideological lean.
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