CPI(M) West Bengal 27th State Conference Kicks Off with Heartfelt Tribute to Martyrs
The 27th State Conference of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] in West Bengal began today, not just as a political gathering, but as a deeply emotional moment for its members and supporters. Held at Comrade Buddhadeb Bhattacharya Nagar in Dankuni, the event started with the hoisting of the iconic red flag by veteran leader Biman Basu—a symbol that carries decades of struggle, hope, and resilience for the party faithful.
A Gathering of Leaders and Memories
The atmosphere was charged with both purpose and remembrance as prominent CPI(M) leaders gathered to set the tone for this three-day event. Politburo members like Prakash Karat, Manik Sarkar, Brinda Karat, and Suryakanta Mishra stood alongside other stalwarts such as M.A. Baby, Tapan Sen, Ashok Dhawale, Nilotpal Basu, Ramchandra Dom, and Hannan Mollah. State figures like Mohammad Selim, Mitalee Kumar (Reception Committee President), and Debabrata Ghosh (Reception Committee Secretary) also joined, uniting voices from across the party’s spectrum.
But beyond the politics, it was the tribute to the martyrs that struck a chord. As leaders laid wreaths at the Shaheed Bed (Martyrs’ Memorial), the names of those who gave their lives for the cause echoed through the gathering. In West Bengal, comrades like Somen Kundu, Bidyt Mandal, Lakshiram Tudu, Sanjeev Kumar Mandal, Mansur Alam, Rajibul Haq, Pulak Sarkar, Rowshan Ali, Shukur Ali Sheikh, Rintu Sheikh, and Anarul Islam were honored—each name a story of sacrifice amid attacks by miscreants. The remembrance extended beyond the state, paying respects to Subhash Munda from Jharkhand, Badal Shil from Tripura, Shahjalal Sheikh and Narjina Sheikh from Assam, and Anis Khan. For many attendees, these weren’t just names—they were friends, family, and comrades who embodied the fight for justice.
A Platform for Reflection and Renewal
The conference isn’t just about looking back—it’s about moving forward. Mohammad Selim, the outgoing State Committee Secretary, presented the draft political-organizational report, sparking lively discussions among delegates from across West Bengal. Voices like Abhijit Chakraborty from Hooghly, Jyotirup Banerjee from Murshidabad, Kashinath Banerjee from Purulia, Sangram Chatterjee from Kolkata, Kaushik Bhattacharya from Jalpaiguri, and Pravat Chaudhuri from South 24 Parganas brought grassroots perspectives to the table, debating the party’s next steps in a challenging political landscape.
This gathering, themed around unity and struggle, comes at a pivotal time for the CPI(M) in West Bengal. Facing what the party calls “ruling party atrocities and anti-democratic forces,” the conference is a chance to regroup, reflect, and rally for the working class and marginalized communities who form the backbone of its support.
A Legacy That Lives On
For those present, the event feels like more than a political ritual—it’s a reaffirmation of a legacy. The red flag waving over Dankuni isn’t just a symbol; it’s a promise to carry forward the dreams of those who came before. As one delegate put it, “This isn’t just about resolutions or elections—it’s about keeping the fight alive in our hearts.”
The conference will wrap up on February 24, 2025, with the adoption of key resolutions and the election of a new state committee. But for now, it’s a moment to honor the past while building hope for the future—a balance the CPI(M) hopes will resonate far beyond the gates of Comrade Buddhadeb Bhattacharya Nagar.
