Communist Party of India (Marxist)

Communist Party of India (Marxist). The Communist Party of India (Marxist) is a major far-left political party in India and the largest faction within the country's Communist movement. Founded in 1964 following a split from the Communist Party of India over ideological differences regarding the Sino-Indian War and revolutionary strategy, it has been a significant force in Indian politics, particularly in the states of Kerala, West Bengal, and Tripura. The party advocates for a socialist state through a multi-stage revolution and has a substantial organizational presence through its mass organizations like the Centre of Indian Trade Unions and the All India Kisan Sabha.

History

The party emerged from a major split within the Communist Party of India at its Seventh Congress in Kolkata in 1964, primarily over the assessment of the Indian bourgeoisie and the party's stance toward the Congress party and the Sino-Indian War of 1962. Key founding leaders included P. Sundarayya, E. M. S. Namboodiripad, and Jyoti Basu. It faced severe state repression during the National Emergency declared by Indira Gandhi. The CPI(M) played a pivotal role in forming the first non-Congress national government, supporting the Janata Party administration after the 1977 elections. Its most significant period of governance began with its historic victory in the 1977 West Bengal elections, leading to the Left Front government that ruled the state for 34 consecutive years under Chief Ministers like Jyoti Basu and Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee.

Ideology and political positions

The CPI(M) professes Marxism–Leninism as its guiding ideology, adapted to Indian conditions as articulated in its party program. It characterizes the Indian state as led by the bourgeoisie and landlord classes and advocates for a "people's democracy" to be achieved through a multi-stage revolution involving a broad democratic front. The party is staunchly secular and has historically opposed communalism and the politics of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. It takes a critical stance against neoliberalism, imperialism, and the economic policies of liberalization in India, advocating for pro-poor policies, land reforms, and strengthening the public sector. Internationally, it maintains fraternal relations with other communist parties through forums like the International Meeting of Communist and Workers' Parties.

Organizational structure

The party is organized on the principle of democratic centralism, with the highest authority being the Party Congress held every three years, which elects the Central Committee. The Central Committee elects a Politburo and a General Secretary; the current General Secretary is Sitaram Yechury. Its organizational reach extends through numerous mass organizations, including the trade union wing Centre of Indian Trade Unions, the peasants' front All India Kisan Sabha, the students' union Students' Federation of India, and the women's wing All India Democratic Women's Association. The party maintains a strong presence in its traditional strongholds through an extensive network of local committees and units.

Electoral performance and governance

The CPI(M) has been a dominant force in state politics, leading the Left Front government in West Bengal from 1977 to 2011 and in Tripura for multiple terms until 2018, and participating in several coalition governments in Kerala. Its national presence in the Lok Sabha has fluctuated, often serving as a crucial bloc; it was a major constituent of the Third Front and the United Progressive Alliance during its initial phase. The party's governance was marked by the implementation of land reforms and the Panchayati Raj system in West Bengal, though it later faced criticism for its policies promoting special economic zones and industrialization in the state during the 2000s.

Criticism and controversies

The party has faced criticism from both the left and the right. It has been accused by more radical groups like the Communist Party of India (Maoist) of being "revisionist" and abandoning revolutionary politics for parliamentary participation. Its record in West Bengal has been scrutinized for incidents of political violence, particularly during the Nandigram and Singur anti-land acquisition movements against its industrialization drive. Critics also point to the perceived stagnation and cadre-based violence in its later years of rule in Kolkata. Furthermore, its strategic alliances at the national level, such as with the Congress party in certain elections, have sparked internal debate and criticism from within the broader Left Front.

Category:Communist Party of India (Marxist) Category:Communist parties in India Category:Political parties established in 1964