On March 1, 2025, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) concluded its 24th Maharashtra State Party Conference in Selu, Parbhani district, Marathwada region, with the unanimous election of 47-year-old Dr. Ajit Nawale as the new State Secretary. Dr. Nawale, potentially the youngest CPI(M) State Secretary in India, marks a significant shift in leadership for the party in Maharashtra.
Conference Highlights and Key Attendees
The three-day event saw participation from 337 delegates across 29 districts, including 63 women (19%). Prominent leaders such as Polit Bureau Member Prakash Karat, Nilotpal Basu, and Dr. Ashok Dhawale graced the occasion. The conference kicked off with a flag-hoisting ceremony led by senior leaders Narasayya Adam, Udayan Sharma, Datta Mane, and Shivgonda Khot, aged 80-82, followed by tributes to martyrs and revolutionary songs by the Praja Natya Mandal from Solapur.
Prakash Karat’s Inaugural Address
In his inaugural speech, Prakash Karat provided a global and national political analysis. He highlighted the rise of far-right imperialist forces, exemplified by Donald Trump, and their impact on India and the world. He condemned the ongoing war against Palestine and the growing influence of right-wing ideologies while praising the resistance of left-wing movements in Latin America and Sri Lanka. Karat also criticized the Modi-led RSS-BJP regime for its "neo-fascist, communal, and pro-corporate" policies, urging CPI(M) and Left forces to bolster their independent strength and unite secular forces to counter the BJP.
Delegate Session and Resolutions
Outgoing State Secretary Dr. Uday Narkar presented the political-organizational report, sparking discussions among 59 delegates, 25% of whom were women. The report and eight socio-political resolutions were unanimously adopted. Nilotpal Basu addressed the final day, while Ajay Burande presented the Credentials Committee Report, noting that over 50% of delegates were under 50 years old.
Massive Rally and Public Meeting
The first evening featured a rally of thousands of toiling people in Selu, culminating in a public meeting addressed by Prakash Karat, Dr. Ashok Dhawale, Dr. Uday Narkar, Dr. Ajit Nawale, and others. Leaders from allied Left parties, including Jayant Patil (PWP) and Prof. Ram Baheti (CPI), extended greetings on the second day.
New Leadership Elected
A 50-member State Committee, including 12 women (24%), and a 15-member State Secretariat, with 2 women (13%), were elected. Dr. Ajit Nawale emerged as the new State Secretary after Dr. Uday Narkar stepped down due to health concerns. Additionally, 17 delegates (including 3 women) and 3 alternate delegates were elected for the 24th CPI(M) Party Congress in Madurai. A three-member State Control Commission, chaired by Prof. Madhu Paranjape, was also formed.
Closing Remarks and Achievements
In his concluding speech, Dr. Ashok Dhawale praised the Parbhani comrades for their organizational efforts and urged delegates to strengthen Left-secular unity and focus on ideological struggles. The conference ended with the singing of the Internationale and felicitations for the CPI(M) Parbhani district committee. Notably, over ₹50,000 worth of party and progressive literature was sold during the event.
Dr. Ajit Nawale: A New Era for CPI(M) in Maharashtra
Dr. Ajit Nawale’s election signals a youthful and dynamic leadership for CPI(M) in Maharashtra. His appointment comes at a critical time as the party aims to intensify its resistance against right-wing forces and expand its grassroots influence.
