Thiruvananthapuram, June 18: Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly criticized the UDF government over its decision to implement the PM SHRI scheme in Kerala, accusing it of abandoning its earlier stand and surrendering before the Centre’s education policy.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Pinarayi said the UDF, Congress, and Muslim League had earlier strongly opposed the PM SHRI scheme and had even promised not to implement it if they came to power.
Pinarayi Targets UDF’s Change in Stand
Pinarayi Vijayan questioned why the UDF had now decided to move ahead with the scheme despite previously opposing it.
He said the UDF had accused the previous LDF government of entering into a deal with the BJP over PM SHRI and had made the issue a major political controversy.
“The same UDF is now implementing the project. The government should explain what changed,” he said.
LDF Had Frozen the Agreement
The former Chief Minister said merely signing a memorandum of understanding does not mean a scheme must be implemented.
According to him, the previous LDF government had frozen the agreement within a month and did not proceed with any steps required to implement the scheme.
“We did not prepare or submit the list of schools. The agreement was kept on hold and further action was stopped,” Pinarayi said.
He also claimed that the state government can withdraw from the scheme if it chooses to do so.
Questions Over National Education Policy
Pinarayi argued that Congress governments in several other states are implementing the National Education Policy without objection.
He said the UDF should clarify its current position on education reforms and explain why it has changed its stand on PM SHRI.
Criticism of Governor’s Actions
The Opposition Leader also criticized the Governor for directly convening meetings of government departments.
He described the move as a violation of constitutional conventions and questioned the basis on which the Governor was intervening in administrative matters.
Pinarayi said the state government should respond to the issue and protect the dignity and powers of the state administration.
Raises Concerns Over Welfare and Health
Pinarayi also alleged that the new government was weakening several welfare programmes launched during the previous administration.
He claimed that public health challenges are increasing and that vacancies in the health sector remain unfilled.
The Opposition Leader further accused the government of delaying welfare benefits and pension payments.
He urged the government to release pending benefits and continue support for eligible beneficiaries without interruption.
The remarks come amid growing political debate in Kerala over the PM SHRI scheme, education policy, welfare programmes, and the role of the Governor in state administration.