CPI(M) Opens 24th Party Congress with Call for Unity and Resistance Amid National Challenges
Chennai, April 4:
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) commenced its 24th Party Congress with a strong show of democratic engagement and a renewed call to resist what it called a “deepening constitutional crisis” under the BJP-RSS regime. Addressing the first press conference of the Congress, Central Committee member and Polit Bureau leader Brinda Karat detailed the party’s deliberations and resolutions adopted during the inaugural sessions.
According to Karat, 729 delegates and 79 observers from across the country are participating in the Congress. The sessions began with the presentation of two key reports by Central Committee coordinator Prakash Karat: a review of the political-tactical line adopted in the 21st and 23rd Party Congresses, and the draft political resolution charting the path ahead for the next three years.
CPI(M), Karat asserted, stands apart from other political parties due to its emphasis on internal democracy. “Unlike other parties, our Congress is an example of democratic functioning,” she said, noting that the draft resolution and review report were widely circulated, leading to the submission of over 4,000 amendments. Of these, 3,424 were related to the political resolution, signaling robust internal debate but also “a basic unity in the party on both the review and the challenges ahead.”
The Congress takes place in a context of deep concern over national developments. Karat reiterated CPI(M)’s firm opposition to the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill, which was passed in the Lok Sabha this week. “It is nothing short of a constitutional assault,” she said, accusing the BJP government of targeting Muslim communities and undermining institutional autonomy without consultation.
Another issue flagged was the imposition of a 26% cross-border tariff on Indian goods by the United States. While condemning the move as “aggressive and unilateral,” Karat criticized the Modi government’s silence in response. “This government claims to be a Vishwaguru, but it is silent when Indian interests are directly harmed,” she said, alleging a “craven submission to U.S. pressure.”
Two central themes emerged from the Congress discussions: the ideological and economic dimensions of the fight against Hindutva. Karat emphasized that Hindutva is not only communal but also anti-reform and pro-caste hierarchy. She warned of its alliance with corporate interests, referring to the regime as a “Hindutva-corporate nexus” that is dismantling workers’ rights and favoring crony capitalism.
A third critical focus is the party’s strategy to rebuild its mass base in states like West Bengal and Tripura, where setbacks have been significant. Delegates are discussing ways to revitalize the party through grassroots struggles and alternative policy outreach.
The Congress also passed two major resolutions. The first voiced full support for the May 20 All-India General Strike called by central trade unions against the anti-worker labor codes. Karat revealed that Section 111 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)—inspired by UAPA provisions—is being used against trade union leaders, with instances reported from Uttar Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
The second resolution, introduced by Kerala Industries Minister P. Rajeev and seconded by Uttar Pradesh leader Madhubar, condemned the escalating communal incidents across the country and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to secularism and pluralism.
The Congress is also marked by an emotional undertone, as it is the first such event without General Secretary Sitaram Yechury’s predecessor, Comrade S. Karat, who passed away during preparations. “This Congress is a salute to Comrade Karat’s legacy,” Brinda Karat said, underscoring the collective resilience in continuing his vision.
With intense debates, strategic planning, and strong resolutions, CPI(M)’s 24th Party Congress projects an image of renewal and resolve as it grapples with India's socio-political and economic crises.
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