Fri Oct 24 09:23:32 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by its rewrite as a news article:

Summary:

The Kerala government’s decision to participate in the PM-SHRI scheme, a central government initiative providing grants for school education, has triggered a political crisis within the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) coalition. The Communist Party of India (CPI), a key LDF ally, vehemently opposes the move, viewing it as an endorsement of the BJP’s “majoritarian nationalism-inspired” National Education Policy (NEP). The CPI alleges the CPI(M), the dominant party in the LDF, made the decision unilaterally, without consulting coalition partners or the cabinet. The CPI is demanding a course correction, and suggests that accepting PM-SHRI for funds compromises federalism and secular education. Meanwhile, the opposition UDF sees an opportunity to exploit the rift, even suggesting the CPI could join their coalition.

News Article:

Kerala’s Ruling Coalition Fractures Over School Funding Scheme

Thiruvananthapuram, October 24, 2025 – A political storm is brewing within Kerala’s ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) coalition following the government’s decision to join the PM-SHRI scheme, a central government initiative aimed at bolstering school education through substantial grants.

The Communist Party of India (CPI), a significant partner in the LDF, has voiced strong opposition to the move, arguing that it implicitly endorses the “RSS’ majoritarian nationalism-inspired” National Education Policy (NEP) of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government.

“This is not the way a Left coalition works,” declared CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam, speaking after an emergency party meeting. He accused the CPI(M), the dominant force in the LDF, of making the decision “surreptitiously” without proper consultation with coalition partners or the state cabinet.

The CPI leadership believes that accepting the PM-SHRI scheme compromises the principles of federalism and secular education, stating the government should not have succumbed to central pressure on such a fundamental issue. Civil Supplies Minister and CPI leader G.R. Anil stated that the General Education Department had “contravened” the Left’s national stance on the PM-SHRI scheme and NEP.

“The LDF allies and the Cabinet are blindsided by the out-of-the-blue turnabout,” said Mr. Anil, demanding an explanation from General Education Minister V. Sivankutty. He argued that Kerala’s existing achievements in education, secured through significant state investment, demonstrate that PM-SHRI funds are not necessary.

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) opposition has seized upon the internal conflict, sensing a potential political advantage. UDF convener Adoor Prakash even extended an invitation to the CPI, suggesting they would be “welcomed with open arms” if they chose to break from the CPI(M). He further claimed that the UDF is in “secret discussions” with other “disenchanted” LDF allies.

The deepening rift within the LDF throws the stability of the Kerala government into question and could potentially reshape the state’s political landscape.

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