Sat Oct 25 13:12:38 UTC 2025: Summary:

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala, India, is facing internal conflict over the PM SHRI scheme, a central government education initiative. While the CPI(M), the leading party, advocates for joining the scheme, the CPI, another major partner in the coalition, opposes it. The Kerala Congress (M) (KC(M)), a regional party within the LDF, has emerged as a key ally for the CPI(M), supporting the PM SHRI scheme. This support is seen as reciprocal, as the CPI(M) has previously backed KC(M)’s interests. The KC(M)’s stance also highlights its strained relationship with the CPI, which is wary of the KC(M)’s growing influence, particularly after the CPI had to give up a seat to KC(M) in a previous election.

News Article:

LDF Coalition Fractured Over PM SHRI Scheme; KC(M) Backs CPI(M) Amidst Rift

KOTTAYAM, October 25, 2025 – Cracks are widening within Kerala’s ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) coalition as disagreements intensify over the implementation of the central government’s PM SHRI scheme. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], the dominant force in the LDF, is struggling to secure consensus amongst its partners, particularly the Communist Party of India (CPI), regarding the adoption of the education initiative.

However, the CPI(M) has found a crucial ally in the Kerala Congress (M) (KC(M)). The regional party, with its five legislators, has voiced strong support for the PM SHRI scheme, a stance that starkly contrasts with the CPI’s opposition.

“We do not believe in rejecting a project solely because it originates from the Union government,” stated KC(M) chairman Jose K. Mani, emphasizing the state’s 40% contribution to the scheme’s funding. He also warned of potential losses in education funding and teacher job security if Kerala completely rejects central schemes.

Political analysts view the KC(M)’s support as a reciprocal gesture towards the CPI(M), which has previously championed the KC(M)’s pro-farmer agenda, notably through legislative amendments. “This is a quid pro quo,” a senior KC(M) leader confirmed.

The KC(M)’s alignment with the CPI(M) also underscores the existing tensions between the KC(M) and the CPI within the LDF. The CPI has long been suspicious of the KC(M)’s expansion in Central Travancore, allegedly supported by the CPI(M). These tensions stem partly from the previous Assembly elections, where the CPI was compelled to cede the Kanjirappally seat in Kottayam to the KC(M). The unfolding situation raises questions about the long-term stability of the LDF coalition.

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