Communist Party of India (Marxist)

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) is a significant political force in India, known for its strong presence and historical influence. Founded in 1964 as a faction split from the Communist Party of India (CPI), the CPI(M) quickly established itself as the dominant communist faction in the country.

Historically, the CPI(M) achieved notable milestones, including leading the Left Front government in West Bengal for 34 years. This period of governance remains the longest any communist-led government has served democratically in the world. Additionally, the CPI(M) has frequently been one of the top three parties in the Indian Parliament.

Currently, the CPI(M) is part of ruling alliances in two states. It leads the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala and is part of the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in Tamil Nadu. The party also maintains representation in the legislative assemblies of seven Indian states, showcasing its continued relevance in regional politics.

Organizationally, the CPI(M) is structured with the All-India Party Congress as its supreme authority. Between Congress sessions, the Central Committee serves as the highest decision-making body, electing the Polit Bureau, which includes the General Secretary. This Polit Bureau is responsible for carrying out the party’s political and organizational tasks between Central Committee meetings.

Elections:

Lok Sabha:

2002 Presidential Election:

In the 2002 Indian Presidential election, the Left Front, led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), put forward Captain Lakshmi Sehgal as their candidate. She was up against A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, who was the candidate of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The CPI(M) described Captain Lakshmi as an “Alternative Candidate,” acknowledging that her chances of winning were slim due to the strong opposition from both the BJP-led NDA and the Indian National Congress. Despite this, the Left Front aimed to use the election as a platform to highlight and bring national issues to the forefront. Captain Lakshmi Sehgal emphasized that her candidacy symbolized the Left’s resistance to the BJP’s communal-sectarian politics and demonstrated solidarity with the religious minorities adversely affected under the NDA’s rule.

2012 Presidential Election:

In the 2012 Presidential election, the CPI(M) supported Pranab Mukherjee, the candidate backed by the Congress party. However, the party advocated for a non-Congress candidate for the Vice-Presidency. This stance indicated the CPI(M)’s strategic approach of balancing its support within the broader political spectrum while maintaining its distinct position on other high offices.

Guerrillas of the Telangana Armed Struggle (1946–1951):

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) traces its origins to a split from the Communist Party of India (CPI), which was established on December 26, 1925. During the post-World War II period, the CPI gained significant traction and led several armed uprisings, including those in Telangana, Tripura, and Kerala. However, the party eventually shifted from armed revolution to a more parliamentary approach. In 1950, B. T. Ranadive, then the CPI general secretary and a leading figure of the party’s radical wing, was demoted due to his left-adventurist stance, reflecting the party’s strategic pivot.

Under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru and the Indian National Congress, independent India cultivated a close relationship with the Soviet Union. The Soviet government encouraged the Indian communists to moderate their criticisms of the Indian state and support the Congress-led government. Nonetheless, many within the CPI continued to argue that India remained a semi-feudal society, and class conflict should not be sidelined for the sake of aligning with Soviet interests. Additionally, the Indian National Congress appeared increasingly antagonistic toward political competition. This hostility was evident when, in 1959, the central government imposed President’s rule in Kerala, thereby toppling the E. M. S. Namboodiripad cabinet, which was the only non-Congress government in the country at that time.

Start of CPI(M):

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) was formed as a result of a significant ideological split within the Communist Party of India (CPI). The key differences between the factions centered on their interpretations of the Indian political landscape and their approach to the development of the party’s program. This divide also reflected a broader debate on whether the Indian Communist movement should align closely with the Soviet Union’s Communist Party or pursue a more independent path tailored to India’s unique conditions.

The so-called ‘right-wing’ faction of the CPI adhered to the Soviet model, favoring alignment with Soviet foreign policy and a national democratic revolution. In contrast, the ‘left-wing’ faction, which later formed the CPI(M), criticized this approach as a form of class collaboration. They argued for an independent socialist development in India, emphasizing the need for a peoples’ democratic revolution rather than supporting a bourgeoisie they deemed reactionary. This ideological clash was further exacerbated by accusations from the CPI’s right-wing and the Congress Party that the left-wing faction was pro-Chinese and engaged in ‘anti-national’ activities.

The rift came to a head in 1964. After the death of CPI General Secretary Ajoy Ghosh in 1962, a temporary leadership arrangement was established with Shripad Amrit Dange as chairman and E.M.S. Namboodiripad as general secretary. This compromise failed to resolve underlying tensions, and by April 1964, 32 members of the CPI National Council had walked out, reflecting deep divisions within the party.

In July 1964, the left-wing faction held a convention in Tenali, Andhra Pradesh, where they addressed internal disputes and mobilized support. The convention, which drew 146 delegates claiming to represent 100,000 CPI members, led to the decision to convene the 7th Party Congress of the CPI in Kolkata later that year. The Tenali convention was notable for its display of a large portrait of Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong, highlighting the faction’s pro-Chinese stance.

During the subsequent state and district conferences, the ideological struggle continued. In West Bengal, debates included alternative draft programs from radical elements like Parimal Das Gupta and Aziz ul Haq, though these proposals faced resistance from more moderate leadership. At the Siliguri Party District Conference, the main draft program was accepted with modifications, while some delegates, including Charu Majumdar, faced restrictions on expressing pro-Mao sentiments.

The Calcutta Congress, held from October 31 to November 7, 1964, marked the formal split. The faction meeting in Kolkata adopted the name Communist Party of India (Marxist) and established its own political program. Puchalapalli Sundarayya was elected general secretary. The Congress, attended by 422 delegates representing 60% of CPI’s total membership, endorsed a class analysis that characterized the Indian bourgeoisie as increasingly complicit with imperialism. The congress saw significant support for leftist positions, although Parimal Das Gupta’s alternative draft was not circulated. Souren Bose’s appeal for a portrait of Mao Tse-Tung at the conference received a warm reception, underscoring the faction’s alignment with pro-Chinese ideologies.

Early Years of CPI(M):

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) emerged in a highly adverse political environment. At the time of its formation and during its initial years, the party faced severe repression. During the Calcutta Congress, many of its leaders and cadres were imprisoned without trial. On December 29–30, 1964, over a thousand CPI(M) members were detained under similar conditions. The repression continued into 1965, as the party launched various agitations against rising tram fares in Calcutta and the prevailing food crisis. These protests led to widespread statewide general strikes and hartals on August 5, 1965; March 10–11, 1966; and April 6, 1966. The March 1966 strike, in particular, resulted in fatalities due to clashes with police forces.

In Kerala, the party also faced substantial repression in 1965, with mass arrests of its cadres. In Bihar, CPI(M) called for a Bandh (general strike) in Patna on August 9, 1965, in protest against the Congress state government. The strike saw violent responses from the police, and subsequent agitations spread across the state.

P. Sundaraiah, a prominent CPI(M) leader, was imprisoned during this turbulent period. After his release, he traveled to Moscow for medical treatment between September 1965 and February 1966. While in Moscow, Sundaraiah engaged in discussions with the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU), reflecting ongoing international connections and ideological exchanges.

The CPI(M) Central Committee held its first official meeting from June 12–19, 1966, delayed due to the imprisonment of several members elected at the Calcutta Congress. A scheduled meeting in Thrissur had to be canceled because of the continued wave of arrests. At the June meeting, the Central Committee debated electoral strategies and initially decided to seek a broad alliance with all non-reactionary opposition parties in West Bengal, excluding the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and Swatantra Party. This strategy faced criticism from the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Party of Labour of Albania, the Communist Party of New Zealand, and the more radical factions within CPI(M) itself. By October 1966, at a National Council meeting in Jalandhar, the party revised its approach, deciding instead to form alliances only with select leftist parties. This shift marked a significant adjustment in CPI(M)’s strategic orientation during its early years.

Naxalbari Uprising:

By 1967, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) found itself at a critical juncture. The party was grappling with internal divisions between its more radical factions and those who favored a parliamentary approach, particularly after recent electoral successes in West Bengal and Kerala. Additionally, the ideological developments in China influenced the internal dynamics of the CPI(M), with two distinct dissident tendencies emerging in West Bengal, both aligning with the Chinese line.

In this volatile context, the Naxalbari uprising erupted in northern West Bengal. Led by Charu Majumdar and Kanu Sanyal, who were radical district-level CPI(M) leaders, the uprising was seen by these hardliners as the catalyst for a broader Indian revolution. The movement garnered praise from the Communist Party of China (CPC), which significantly strained relations between the CPI(M) and the CPC.

The West Bengal government, in which the CPI(M) held a significant role, responded with severe repression against the Naxalbari insurgents. This violent crackdown led to the formation of the All India Coordination Committee of Communist Revolutionaries (AICCCR) by the radical factions within the CPI(M). The AICCCR eventually distanced itself from the CPI(M) after the 1968 Burdwan plenum held from April 5–12, resulting in a major schism within the party. Although this split led to divisions across the country, the core leadership in West Bengal largely remained with the CPI(M), setting the stage for a bloody feud between the party and the Naxalites.

Dismissal of United Front Governments in West Bengal and Kerala:

In November 1967, the United Front government in West Bengal, which included the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), was dismissed by the central government. The initial replacement was a minority government led by Prafulla Chandra Ghosh from the Indian National Congress, but this administration was short-lived. Following the dismissal, a 48-hour hartal (general strike) was observed statewide in protest. The central government then imposed President’s Rule in West Bengal, prompting CPI(M) to launch widespread agitations against the central intervention.

During this period of political upheaval, the 8th Party Congress of CPI(M) was convened in Kochi, Kerala, from December 23–29, 1968. On December 25, while the congress was underway, a horrific incident occurred in the Tamil Nadu village of Kizhavenmani, where 42 Dalits were burned alive. This massacre was a retaliatory act by landlords against Dalit laborers who had participated in a CPI(M)-led agitation demanding higher wages.

In Kerala, the United Front government faced its own challenges. In October 1969, the coalition government, which included CPI, RSP, KTP, and Muslim League ministers, collapsed when these parties resigned. E.M.S. Namboodiripad, the Chief Minister from CPI(M), resigned on October 24. The coalition was succeeded by a new government led by CPI’s C. Achutha Menon, with support from the Indian National Congress.

The political landscape in West Bengal and Kerala shifted dramatically with the subsequent elections. In West Bengal, fresh elections were held in 1969. CPI(M) contested 97 seats and won 80, becoming the largest party in the state’s legislature. Despite this electoral success, Ajoy Mukherjee, with the backing of CPI and the Bangla Congress, was appointed as Chief Minister. Mukherjee resigned on March 16, 1970, following an agreement between the CPI, Bangla Congress, and Indian National Congress aimed against CPI(M). Despite CPI(M)’s attempts to form a new government, the central government intervened once again, imposing President’s Rule in West Bengal.

Simultaneously, another revolt was brewing in Andhra Pradesh. Unlike West Bengal, the pro-Naxalbari faction had not gained significant ground, but many veterans from the earlier Telangana armed struggle opposed the central party leadership. The radical faction in Andhra Pradesh, led by T. Nagi Reddy, a state legislative assembly member, was notable for its strong base among state-level leaders. On June 15, 1968, Reddy and other leaders, including D.V. Rao, Kolla Venkaiah, and Chandra Pulla Reddy, issued a press statement critiquing the CPI(M)’s development.

The discontent in Andhra Pradesh resulted in about 50% of the party cadres leaving to form the Andhra Pradesh Coordination Committee of Communist Revolutionaries, under T. Nagi Reddy’s leadership. This further illustrated the fragmentation within the CPI(M) as it navigated through intense ideological and organizational challenges during this period.

Outbreak in East Pakistan:

In 1971, the struggle for independence in East Pakistan culminated in the creation of Bangladesh. As East Pakistan declared its independence, the Pakistani military launched a severe crackdown to suppress the uprising. In response, India intervened militarily and provided substantial support to the Bangladeshi independence movement. This intervention was crucial in the eventual success of the Bangladeshi rebels. During this period, millions of Bangladeshi refugees crossed into India, particularly affecting West Bengal, which bore the brunt of the refugee crisis.

Amidst the conflict, the Bangladeshi communist movement was fragmented, with internal divisions mirroring broader geopolitical alignments. The pro-Soviet Communist Party of Bangladesh actively supported the rebellion, aligning with India’s stance. In contrast, the pro-China communist factions faced a complex situation due to China’s support for Pakistan in the conflict.

In Calcutta, where many Bangladeshi leftists had sought refuge, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) played a central role in facilitating the formation of a unified political entity. In the fall of 1971, three small communist groups, all hosted by CPI(M), merged to establish the Bangladesh Communist Party (Leninist). This new party was recognized as the CPI(M)’s sister party in Bangladesh, symbolizing an effort to consolidate and strengthen the leftist presence in the newly independent nation.

Against the Assembly and Emergency Rule:

In 1975, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a State of Emergency in India, citing internal disturbances as the justification. This drastic measure suspended elections, authorized rule by decree, and severely curtailed civil liberties. Siddhartha Shankar Ray was notably involved in both proposing and drafting the emergency declaration.

During this period, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) emerged as a leading opponent of the Emergency. The party faced significant repression in West Bengal, where its labor union members were among the first to experience mass arrests and political persecution. Many CPI(M) members went underground to evade arrest and continued their political activities in secrecy.

The political landscape began to shift with the rise of Jayaprakash Narayan’s (JP) movement, which sought to challenge the authoritarian regime. CPI(M) extended its support to this movement and engaged in discussions about forming a united front under the Janata Party. Several CPI(M) leaders, including Jyoti Basu, who had worked with JP in the All India Railwaymen’s Federation in the 1940s, were particularly influenced by JP’s ideas.

However, the involvement of the Hindutva movement presented a complication. JP was concerned that formally including the Marxists in the united front might alienate members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and weaken the movement. Consequently, an agreement was reached where CPI(M) would not formally join the Janata Party to avoid disrupting the broader coalition’s cohesion.

Following the revocation of the Emergency in 1977, CPI(M) allied with the Janata Party for the general elections. This electoral alliance proved successful, leading to a decisive victory for the Janata Alliance and a significant political shift in India.

Left Front Government Formation in West Bengal, Kerala, and Tripura:

West Bengal:

The Left Front, led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), made a remarkable entry into West Bengal’s political arena in 1977. Initially, CPI(M) had planned to contest the elections in alliance with the Janata Party, but negotiations broke down. Consequently, the 1977 election saw a three-way contest among the Indian National Congress, the Janata Party, and the CPI(M)-led Left Front coalition. The Left Front’s victory was resounding, securing 230 out of 290 seats, with CPI(M) winning an absolute majority on its own. Jyoti Basu assumed the role of Chief Minister, marking the beginning of a 34-year era of Left Front rule in West Bengal. Under Basu’s leadership, the Left Front won successive elections in 1982, 1987, 1991, and 1996, with Basu serving as Chief Minister for 23 years, making him the longest-serving Chief Minister in West Bengal’s history.

In the late 2000s, leadership within the Left Front shifted to Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. Under his leadership, the Left Front secured victories in the 2001 and 2006 elections. However, controversies such as the 2006 Singur and 2007 Nandigram anti-land acquisition protests led to significant opposition. The Left Front’s tenure ended in 2011 when they lost the assembly elections, marking the end of the longest-serving democratically elected communist government globally. After 2021, the Left Front had no representatives in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.

Kerala:

In Kerala, the CPI(M) emerged prominently after the split of the Communist Party of India (CPI) in 1964. Key leaders like E.M.S. Namboodiripad, A.K. Gopalan, and K.R. Gouri Amma aligned with CPI(M). In the 1965 elections, CPI(M) became the largest party in the assembly but could not form a majority government, leading to President’s Rule. The 1967 Kerala assembly elections saw the CPI(M)-led United Front (Saptakakshi Munnani) achieve a landslide victory with 113 out of 133 seats, forming a government under Namboodiripad.

The political landscape in Kerala stabilized with the formation of two main alliances: the Left Democratic Front (LDF) led by CPI(M) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) led by the Indian National Congress. The LDF first came to power in 1980 under E.K. Nayanar, who became the longest-serving Chief Minister of Kerala. The power alternated between the LDF and UDF until 2016 when the LDF, led by Pinarayi Vijayan, won the election and achieved a historic re-election in 2021. Vijayan became the first Chief Minister of Kerala to be re-elected after completing a full term.

Tripura:

In Tripura, under the leadership of Nripen Chakraborty, the CPI(M)-led Left Front won the 1977 assembly elections, making Chakraborty the Chief Minister. The Left Front secured re-election in 1983, holding power for a decade. Despite a brief setback in the 1988 elections, where CPI(M) was out of power for five years, the party regained control in 1993 with Dasarath Deb as Chief Minister.

From 1993 to 2013, the Left Front won five consecutive elections. Manik Sarkar, who became Chief Minister in 1998, served for 20 years, making him the longest-serving Chief Minister in Tripura’s history. Under his leadership, the Left Front won elections in 1998, 2003, 2008, and 2013. Currently, CPI(M) is the main opposition party in the Tripura Legislative Assembly.

International Meeting of Communist and Workers’ Parties:

In 2009, CPI(M) hosted the 11th International Meeting of Communist and Workers’ Parties in New Delhi. The summit was attended by 57 communist parties from 48 countries, reflecting CPI(M)’s significant role in the global communist movement.