CPM Party Congress to begin in Madurai today; new strategies will be devised to strengthen party

MADURAI: Madurai is set to host heated discussions as the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPM] begins its 24th Party Congress today, with self-assessments acknowledging the party's weakening grassroots support, even in strongholds like Kerala, and its failure to effectively counter the rise of the BJP. The event will commence at 10 AM at the Tamukkam Ground (Sitaram Yechury Nagar), with PB Coordinator Prakash Karat inaugurating the congress.

The draft review report highlights several weaknesses within the party, including leaders’ excessive power ambitions and their growing disconnect from the common people. The conference, which runs until April 6, will actively discuss new policy frameworks aimed at retaining power in Kerala and regaining mass support in other states. The Party Congress will conclude with the announcement of a new General Secretary.

Discussions will focus on modernizing the party’s political line and tactical strategies to adapt to changing times. To prevent a repeat of Bengal and Tripura in Kerala, strategies must be formulated for the upcoming assembly elections next year, considering both the Congress and the BJP as primary opponents.

Additionally, CPM will explore ways to counter the BJP’s declared mission of eliminating Congress from power and turning it into an advantage for the party. The party acknowledges that its loss of grassroots support in Bengal and Tripura led to its fall from power after three decades and that the BJP’s rise in these regions was largely due to CPM’s weakness.

Newcomers will come up
The Party Congress will elect a new General Secretary, with senior PB member from Kerala, M.A. Baby, being a top contender. Other potential candidates include B.V. Raghavulu from Andhra Pradesh and Ashok Dhawale from Maharashtra.

With the 75-year age limit, six members from the Politburo (PB) and 15 from the Central Committee will step down, making way for fresh leadership. A decision will also be made on granting an exemption for Pinarayi Vijayan in his role as Chief Minister.