The Kerala Assembly faced a political clash over the contentious PM SHRI school scheme, as the ruling UDF and opposition LDF traded accusations of jeopardizing the state’s interests. The confrontation escalated to an opposition walkout following an adjournment motion by LDF MLA P. Prasad seeking discussion on the government’s stance on the Centrally sponsored scheme. Education Minister N. Shamsudheen vigorously defended the government, shifting blame to the previous LDF administration and claiming they willingly signed the agreement with the Centre.
The minister presented documents in the House, revealing that the then General Education Secretary had officially notified the Union government in 2024 of Kerala’s willingness to implement the PM SHRI scheme. He went on to allege that the LDF government, on October 16, 2025, signed a Memorandum of Understanding that allowed only the Centre to withdraw from the agreement. Shamsudheen emphasized that the current government had not made any new agreements or compromised the state’s rights, contrary to the opposition’s assertions.
Disputing the opposition’s allegations that the UDF government’s Cabinet sub-committee was formed to facilitate the scheme’s implementation, the minister clarified that no final decision had been made and the committee awaited a report. He pointed out that the previous government’s communication to the Centre did not seek termination of the agreement but requested a deferment of its implementation. The Leader of the Opposition, Pinarayi Vijayan, retaliated by accusing the UDF of abandoning its initial opposition to the PM SHRI scheme upon assuming power.
Vijayan contended that the LDF government had effectively halted the agreement and had not taken necessary steps for implementation. Despite eight months passing since the MoU was signed, the scheme had not been initiated in Kerala, with the state yet to submit a list of schools for inclusion. Alleging the government’s compliance with the Sangh Parivar agenda, the opposition leader demanded a clear assurance that the scheme would not be enforced in the state. Subsequently, the Speaker rejected the adjournment motion, leading to an opposition walkout and concluding another heated debate in the Assembly.
