This Kerala politics fight around PM-SHRI scheme has turned into one of those classic “stand changes with chair” type controversies . And honestly,K.T. Jaleel is not holding back at all.
K.T. Jaleel , CPI(M) leader and former Higher Education Minister,posted on Facebook on June 20 ,questioning Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) over what he sees as double standards on PM-SHRI scheme . His basic point is simple: people of Kerala will not accept this kind of inconsistent political line.
What makes issue more interesting is history behind it . When Left Democratic Front (LDF) was in governance,IUML had opposed PM-SHRI scheme strongly and argued against its implementation . But now with United Democratic Front (UDF) back in power,same IUML seems to be looking at scheme again .
And this is where politics becomes uncomfortable ah.
A four-member Cabinet sub-committee headed by IUML Minister N. Shamsudheen has now been formed to review PM-SHRI scheme . So naturally,CPI(M) side is asking why scheme was unacceptable earlier but suddenly review-worthy now.
Few things standing out clearly here:
- IUML's contradictory positions — shifts in stance based on political power.
- PM-SHRI implementation review — initiated under UDF governance .
- CPI(M) criticism — highlights identity politics in opposition and governance.
Jaleel also pointed out that while in opposition,IUML raised community issues very loudly,but after coming back to power,it appears to adjust narrative . That is not small accusation because education policy and community rights are sensitive topics in Kerala politics.
He criticized IUML’s approach to educational policies and community rights,suggesting their political moves are more about keeping influence than real concern for constituents . And tbh,this is exactly kind of charge that can stick if public already feels parties speak one language outside power and another inside power .
At same time,IUML may argue that reviewing scheme is not same as accepting everything . But optics are difficult here,because people remember who said what when they were in opposition only .
So now question is whether this PM-SHRI review becomes normal policy discussion or another big political fight between CPI(M),IUML,LDF and UDF… because in Kerala,education issue rarely stays small for long…
