CPI(M) to Hold Talks with CPI on Issues Including PM-Shrie Scheme: MV Govindan

Thiruvananthapuram: The Communist Party of India Marxist (CPI(M)) State Secretary M.V. Govindan has stated that discussions will be held with the Communist Party of India (CPI) and other allied parties regarding the PM-Shri scheme, highlighting concerns about the conditions attached to the scheme and the union government's delays and denies in providing funds owed to Kerala.

Govindan emphasised that there is no dispute over the need for the union government to release the Rs. 8,000 crore that Kerala is expected to receive under various scheme. Of the total amount, 60% is to be provided by the union government, while the state would contribute 40% for joint projects. However, Kerala, along with other states, is facing significant obstacles due to conditions imposed by the union government.

Govindan noted that while schemes under Indira Gandhi’s era did come with conditions, it is only under the current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government that these conditions have increased in scale, preventing Kerala from receiving the funds it is entitled to. He further accused the Congress of double standards, stating that while agreements for PM-Shri had already been signed in Congress-ruled states, the party is now attempting to undermine the Left-led government in Kerala.

He also criticised the union government’s approach, calling it a form of economic embargo against the state, with conditions that mirror those of the past. Govindan pointed out that these conditions are affecting multiple sectors, with funds being withheld until specific requirements are met.

In a related development, LDF Convenor TP Ramakrishnan echoed similar concerns, stating that the terms and conditions of the PM-Shri scheme have not been fully explained. He emphasised that the LDF would engage in internal discussions before making a formal response.

Ramakrishnan reiterated that all parties within the LDF coalition, including the CPI, would have a say in the matter, but the primary concern remains that Kerala must receive the funds it is owed. He also assured that any differences within the alliance would not affect its unity.

The discussions are set to continue as the state government seeks clarification on the union government’s stance on the PM-Shri scheme and its implementation.