IUML Leader Criticizes Kerala CM Over PM SHRI Scheme Controversy

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has found itself at the center of controversy following remarks made by state general secretary P M A Salam regarding Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the state government’s decision to participate in the Prime Minister’s Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) initiative. During a conference in Vazhakkad on November 1, 2023, Salam alleged that the central government’s scheme promotes a Hindutva ideology that distorts historical truths.

Salam drew a comparison between the Kerala government’s actions and those of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has publicly rejected similar central funding. He quoted her saying, “Even if the Centre gives Rs 10,000 crore, she would not allow such communal poison into West Bengal.” This statement underscores the IUML’s concerns over the perceived communal implications of the PM SHRI scheme.

In his address, Salam claimed that the new education policy associated with the scheme promotes a skewed version of history while neglecting important languages such as Arabic, Urdu, and English. He expressed alarm over the potential educational landscape, stating, “It is reaching a point where only Sanskrit and Hindi will remain to be studied.”

As of now, Chief Minister Vijayan and the ruling Communist Party of India (CPI) have not publicly responded to Salam’s comments. The IUML, which is a key ally of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), has been vocal in its opposition to the state’s decision to engage with the PM SHRI program. The controversy has intensified following a recent decision by the Kerala government to freeze the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) associated with the initiative, a move prompted by objections from its CPI ally.

The situation highlights ongoing tensions regarding educational policy and ideological divides within Indian politics. As the IUML continues to voice its concerns, the implications for Kerala’s governance and educational framework remain uncertain.