Chennai: Madurai – a city steeped in Tamil history and revolutionary fervour – bore witness to a resounding call for resistance and renewal as the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) inaugurated its 24th party congress. The inaugural session, held in the presence of party leaders and allies, set the stage for intense deliberations on the way forward in an era of Hindutva hegemony and corporate plunder.

Prakash Karat, coordinator of the CPI(M) polit bureau, delivered the inaugural address, expanding on Madurai’s historical significance in both Tamil culture and the Communist movement. He paid tribute to leaders like P. Ramamoorthi, K.T.K. Thangamani, N. Sankariah and K.P. Janaki Ammal, acknowledging their contributions to the party’s growth in Tamil Nadu.

Recalling the leadership of Yechury in preparing for the congress, Karat emphasised that despite the unexpected loss, the polit bureau and central committee had worked collectively to ensure the congress proceeded as planned.

Karat paid tribute to Yechury’s enduring contributions to Marxist theory and practice, stating that his legacy would continue to inspire the party’s ideological and political struggles.

Karat outlined the party’s perspective on the current political landscape, pointing to the influence of corporate interests and ideological dominance. He called for a comprehensive fight against the Bharatiya Janata Party-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (BJP-RSS) and the Hindutva-corporate nexus, which he described as being closely allied with US imperialism. He also emphasised that the dominance of Hindutva forces extends beyond electoral politics, influencing ideological, cultural, and social spheres while being reinforced through attacks on democracy and the constitution.

He stressed the need for integrating the struggle against Hindutva communalism with opposition to neo-liberal policies. He argued that while the Left has been at the forefront of movements defending people’s livelihoods, true political mobilisation requires a vigorous campaign against the divisive agenda of Hindutva. He asserted that the Left remains the only consistent force capable of firmly resisting both majoritarianism and neo-liberalism. 

Karat sharply criticised the Narendra Modi government, calling it a symbol of crony capitalism and rising inequality. He accused the government of privatising key sectors to benefit monopolies, leading to record wealth concentration, joblessness, and increased labour exploitation. The deepening agrarian crisis, he said, has further worsened conditions for farmers and agricultural workers. 

He warned of intensifying class struggles and called for political direction to these movements. He pointed to the implementation of four controversial labour codes, which he described as anti-worker, and urged support for the May 20 nationwide strike called by trade unions demanding their withdrawal.

On the political front, he noted that despite the BJP losing its majority in the Lok Sabha, the Modi government continues its authoritarian push – weakening parliament, the judiciary, and federalism. He condemned the proposed constitutional amendment for simultaneous elections as an attack on states’ rights and denounced the use of draconian laws like UAPA and PMLA to jail opposition leaders, including two sitting chief ministers.

Karat also accused the BJP-RSS of manipulating caste identities to sustain the caste system and spreading ‘manuvadi-patriarchal’ values. He emphasised that the struggle against Hindutva must also be a fight against caste oppression and gender injustice. 

The CPI(M) also condemned the use of laws like UAPA and PMLA against opposition leaders and political activists. 

As the party congress moves towards finalising its political-tactical line, Karat emphasised the need to strengthen Left unity and expand grassroots struggles.

He pointed to the role of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala as an example of alternative governance.

“The LDF government in Kerala has been in the forefront in opposing the anti-people policies of the Union government. Because the LDF government has sought to implement alternative policies, it is facing hostility and discrimination by the Union government. The ongoing struggle in defence of federalism and states’ rights by the LDF and the people of Kerala is an important part of the all-India fight in defence of federalism and against authoritarianism,” Karat said. 

Calling for strengthening Left unity and expand Left political intervention, Karat said the Left ‘is the only consistent force against neo-liberal capitalism and who firmly defend the interests of the working people.’ The CPI(M) will work with all Left forces to go forward towards the building of a Left and democratic alternative, he declared.

Karat also introduced the draft political resolution and political review, outlining the party’s strategy to counter the growing influence of Hindutva forces. The resolution emphasised that the RSS-BJP, with the backing of corporate interests, is using its control over state institutions to advance a communal and authoritarian agenda. Karat stressed that the fight against Hindutva must be waged across economic, social, ideological, and cultural fronts, alongside electoral battles.

The draft resolution called for strengthening the party’s independent organisational base by deepening class and mass struggles. It also underscored the necessity of Left unity and the need to forge alliances with all secular and democratic forces willing to resist the communal policies of the BJP.

A report on pre-Congress discussions was also presented, noting that the draft political resolution had received 3,424 amendments and 84 suggestions from party members across the country. Of these, 133 amendments were accepted. 

Discussions on the draft political resolution commenced on April 3 and continued on April 4. So far, 18 delegates from various states, including Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka have participated in the debate, sharing their perspectives on the party’s strategy.

On April 2, the Congress adopted two significant resolutions. The first extended full support to the nationwide general strike scheduled for May 20, organised by central trade unions against the contentious labour codes. The CPI(M) reaffirmed its commitment to workers’ rights and urged all its units to mobilise in support of the strike.

The second resolution called for countering the “diabolical communal attacks” of the RSS-BJP and Sangh Parivar. The party asserted that organised resistance was necessary to oppose communal polarisation and defend secularism.

The party congress also received messages of support from 38 fraternal communist and workers’ parties worldwide, including the Communist Party of China, the Communist Party of Cuba, the Japanese Communist Party, and the South African Communist Party.

The congress will continue deliberations before finalising its political direction in the coming days.

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