Congress in Kerala Faces Rift Over PM SHRI Scheme

Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress is apparently struggling with a “minor” hiccup, a unified voice, when it comes to the PM SHRI scheme in Kerala. KC Venugopal has taken a strong stand against the scheme, raising what many are calling baseless allegations, while Opposition Leader VD Satheesan, KPCC President Sunny Joseph, and K Muraleedharan insist there is absolutely nothing wrong with accepting central funds.

Interestingly, the PM SHRI scheme is running smoothly in Karnataka, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh, where Congress is actually in power. But in Kerala, the disagreement within the party over joining the scheme seems to reveal a charming display of double standards, plus, some critics say, an opportunistic critique of the LDF government’s decision to participate.

VD Satheesan has pointed out that rejecting central funds is unnecessary, while Sunny Joseph added, rather helpfully, that the state can accept money without bowing to central conditions, because, apparently, it’s Kerala’s right to take eligible funds. This, of course, only highlights the ever-persistent differences of opinion within KPCC.

The rift between VD Satheesan and KC Venugopal is now no longer subtle. KC, who is reportedly eyeing the Chief Minister post, has been actively attending KPCC events, much to the chagrin of VD Satheesan, who seems equally ambitious for the same role. When asked about KC’s sudden political zeal, VD neatly sidestepped the question, warning reporters instead about a “red alert and very heavy rainfall” in Pattambi, because, clearly, weather commentary is the perfect response to internal party dynamics.

KC, on the other hand, was refreshingly candid: “I have won from Kerala and have been working here. I don’t need any position.” That’s one way of pretending ambition doesn’t exist while still attending every local party event.