Minister Sivankutty Criticizes CPI Over PM Shri Scheme, Cites Election Restraint
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty has launched a sharp criticism against CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam concerning his recent statements on the PM Shri scheme. Minister Sivankutty clarified that the decision to send a letter withdrawing from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) related to the scheme was not a victory or defeat for the Left Democratic Front (LDF) or any other entity.
Addressing the media in Thiruvananthapuram, Sivankutty emphatically stated that the RSS agenda would not be permitted in Kerala’s education sector. “I am not going to delve into who endured significant hardship protesting against it, nor will I dissect who backed down from policies,” Sivankutty remarked. He further asserted that the Communist Party of India (Marxist), a key constituent of the LDF, does not require guidance from any external authority on how to implement Left political principles.
The Minister highlighted that the Chief Minister had previously announced the intention to send the letter of withdrawal. He pointed out that while the media expressed concerns, the CPI had not initially raised any apprehensions regarding the move. Sivankutty also expressed concern over the potential loss of the SSK (Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan) fund, amounting to Rs 1152.77 crore, if the state does not participate in the PM Shri scheme. “If these funds are not received, I, as the Education Minister, bear no liability. Those who need to take responsibility for this should do so,” he stated.
Sivankutty also addressed what he termed as statements from “certain quarters” suggesting that only a particular group effectively opposes the RSS. “That is why I sought to clarify the situation. I cannot guarantee whether other central funds will be received. If they are not, it should not be perceived as a failing on the part of the Education Minister,” he added.
Referring to an article by Binoy Viswam, Minister Sivankutty remarked, “If you read Binoy Viswam’s article, it is clear who it points to. We are not fools. I am stating the facts. Since it’s an election period, I am refraining from saying more.” He also criticized the scorn directed at the committee formed to review the PM Shri scheme. Sivankutty clarified that the state had not fully withdrawn from the PM Shri scheme but had only temporarily frozen its implementation.
He confirmed that the constituted committee would convene to discuss the matter and proceed by documenting specific instructions. The Minister reiterated that there was no justification for discrediting the committee’s efforts.