Kerala UDF debate over PM SHRI scheme

On 30 July 2026, the newly formed Congress‑led United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala, headed by Chief Minister V D Satheesan, announced it would honour all election promises and gave in‑principle approval to the central PM SHRI school scheme, despite earlier opposition from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). The decision signalled an intent to continue policies of the previous administration while seeking additional investment.

Just two days later, the UDF faced an internal split. Opposition leader and former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan accused the coalition of reversing its stance on the scheme, questioning any deal with the centre. IUML leader P K Kunhalikutty denied that the alliance had approved the programme, insisting that any decision would await a cabinet sub‑committee report and rejecting the centre’s curriculum and school‑selection norms. The controversy deepened divisions within the UDF and prompted Muslim organisations to call for the state to withdraw from the central scheme.