Kerala Assembly Walkout Over PM SHRI School Scheme Sparks UDF‑LDF Clash

Opposition MLAs of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) staged a walkout from the Kerala Assembly after the speaker denied an adjournment motion seeking debate on the implementation of the centrally sponsored PM SHRI (Schools for Rising India) scheme. Education Minister N. Shamsudheen defended the UDF government's position, asserting that the previous LDF administration had signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 16 October 2025 that gave the Centre the right to withdraw from the scheme, and that the current government had not taken any new decision.

Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan accused the UDF of a "shameful surrender," arguing that the MoU had been kept in abeyance and that the scheme remained unimplemented eight months after signing. He questioned why the UDF, which had pledged to reject the programme, was now appearing to accept it. The walkout ended the Assembly session, highlighting a sharp political rift ahead of the 2026 Kerala elections.

The dispute centres on whether Kerala will proceed with the PM SHRI scheme, with both parties exchanging accusations of compromising the state's interests and political motives.