Minister V. Sivankutty Slams CPI Leaders Over PM SHRI, Alleges Insults and Communalization
Thiruvananthapuram: Education Minister V. Sivankutty has launched a scathing attack on CPI leaders, including Ministers G.R. Anil and Prakash Babu, following the state government’s decision to freeze the PM SHRI scheme. Sivankutty accused G.R. Anil of insulting him publicly and alleged that student and youth wings of the CPI, AISF and AIYF, attempted to communalize him through their protests.
The Minister’s strong words come even after recent efforts for reconciliation regarding the PM SHRI project. Sivankutty recounted that he had contacted Binoy Viswam to explain his rationale for signing the Memorandum of Understanding related to the scheme. However, he expressed dismay at G.R. Anil’s subsequent remarks to the media, which Sivankutty perceived as demeaning. Anil reportedly commented, “If someone comes to the office, one must talk to them,” a statement Sivankutty labeled as indicative of an “ill-mannered culture.”
Further expanding his criticism, Sivankutty condemned Prakash Babu for allegedly insulting M.A. Baby, the General Secretary of their party. “On what basis did he call Baby helpless? He expressed sympathy for Baby. He is our party’s general secretary. Prakash Babu used extremely disrespectful words,” Sivankutty asserted, highlighting the perceived impropriety of the remarks.
Sivankutty also lashed out at the AISF and AIYF, stating that their protests against him were “excessive.” He questioned their decision to burn his effigy and march to his residence twice. The Education Minister revealed that he had complained to Binoy Viswam about these actions, with Viswam reportedly acknowledging that both organizations’ conduct was inappropriate. Sivankutty vehemently denied their alleged attempts to communalize him, emphasizing that they were unaware of his history.
The state government’s withdrawal from the PM SHRI scheme is particularly significant as it coincides with the impending release of the first installment of Rs 300 crore from the withheld SSK fund. While Kerala has decided to halt further action on PM SHRI, the ultimate decision rests with the central government. It is anticipated that the ministerial sub-committee, established under pressure from the CPI, is unlikely to submit its report in the near future. This reversal is considered a major setback for the Education Department, especially given that the central government was poised to release Rs 300 crore out of the total Rs 925 crore of withheld SSK funds.