The Central Committee (CC) of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which met from January 16 to 18 at EMS Academy in Thiruvananthapuram, congratulated the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala for eradicating extreme poverty in the state, calling it a major achievement of the Kerala development model.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the CC said the success reflected the efficacy of progressive politics, decentralised governance and a rights-based approach, achieved despite what it described as a “relentless fiscal war” waged by the BJP-led Union government against opposition-ruled states. The CC also praised the LDF government’s decision not to notify the four Labour Codes, terming it a reaffirmation of its pro-worker stance.
Expressing confidence ahead of the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, the CC said it believed the people would re-elect the LDF for a historic third consecutive term.
Reviewing preparations for Assembly elections due shortly in Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry, the CC said the party would campaign in Kerala on the LDF government’s achievements while exposing the Union government’s alleged denial of funds and attack on federalism. It also criticised the Congress for failing to effectively counter the BJP and RSS, particularly in Kerala.
In West Bengal, the CPI(M) said it would work to defeat both the Trinamool Congress and the BJP, accusing them of polarising society. In Tamil Nadu, the party will contest as part of the DMK-led alliance, while in Assam it will seek to mobilise all anti-BJP forces. In Puducherry, the party said it would work to defeat the BJP-led alliance government.
The CC strongly criticised the BJP-led Union government for pushing through what it called “anti-people” legislation during the winter session of Parliament without adequate discussion. These include the notification of the four Labour Codes, replacement of MGNREGA with GRAM-G, and proposed legislation such as the Seeds Bill and the Electricity Amendment Bill. It also opposed the Cabinet’s approval of 100 percent FDI in insurance and opening nuclear power to private and foreign corporations.
The CC accused the BJP of weakening Parliament and undermining democratic norms, and criticised the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging it was being used to interfere with citizenship rights through a “pliant” Election Commission of India. It also condemned rising attacks on minorities, women, Dalits and Adivasis, particularly in BJP-ruled states, terming them part of an effort to establish a “Hindu Rashtra”.
The CC unanimously adopted a resolution demanding the immediate restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir along with full democratic rights.
The party extended full support to the February 12 general strike called by central trade unions against the Labour Codes and announced a week-long campaign from January 30 to February 5 against what it termed the dismantling of MGNREGA.
On international issues, the CC condemned US actions against Venezuela and Israel’s continued aggression on Palestine, criticising India’s foreign policy for aligning with US interests. It also opposed proposed trade agreements with the US and the European Union, warning they would harm agriculture, industry and livelihoods.
The CPI(M) said it would continue its fight against the BJP and Hindutva forces while strengthening the independent strength of the party.
