VIJAYAWADA: The 24th party congress of the CPI got off to a flying start with a rally attended by tens of thousands turning Vijayawada into a sea of red. The delegates' meeting starting today will witness the main discussion aimed at building a broad left, democratic secular alternative in the next Lok Sabha elections. The organizational report aimed at strengthening the influence of Left parties and CPI, including in the Hindi sector, will also be discussed.

Freedom fighter Etukuri Krishna Murthy will hoist the national flag today at 10.30 am in front of the S.S Convention Hall, the venue of the representative conference. Senior leader and former general secretary S Sudhakar Reddy will hoist the party flag. E Nageswara Rao will pay homage to the martyrs. General Secretary D. Raja will inaugurate the conference.

The party workers in Andhra and Telangana states staged an enthusiastic rally that beat the rain in the evening. The rally started from Meesala Raja Rao Bridge and Pazhavipani and reached the MBP Stadium by 5. The general meeting was inaugurated by D. Raja.

CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury, CPIML general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya and forward block leader G. Devarajan will participate in the opening ceremony of the delegates' meeting today. General Secretary will present the Draft Political Resolution and Political Analysis Report. Atul Kumar Anjan will present the organizational report at the delegates' meeting.