MADURAI: The 24th Party Congress of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) commenced in Madurai with a call for a united front of secular, democratic, and leftist forces against Hindutva and communal elements. A discussion on the draft political resolution will begin on Thursday.

Senior leader Biman Bose hoisted the party flag at the Tamukkam Grounds in Madurai, renamed Sitaram Yechury Nagar for the event. The flag was brought to the venue from the Keezhvenmani Martyrs’ Memorial under the leadership of Central Committee member U. Vasuki and was received by Control Commission Chairman A.K. Padmanabhan. Flames of remembrance, brought from five martyrdom sites, were merged at the venue in a symbolic tribute.

At 10:30 AM, the delegate session was inaugurated at the Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Memorial Hall by Politburo member and coordinator Prakash Karat. Speaking on the occasion, Karat reaffirmed the CPM's commitment to uniting all secular and democratic forces in the fight against Hindutva elements.

The session was chaired by former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar. Several key leaders addressed the gathering, including CPI General Secretary D. Raja, CPI(ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, RSP General Secretary Manoj Bhattacharya, and Forward Bloc General Secretary G. Devarajan.

Former leaders who passed away after the 23rd Party Congress, including Sitaram Yechury, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, and N. Shankarayya, were honored, along with 22 party workers who were martyred.

In the afternoon session, the draft political resolution, political review report, amendments, and two proposals were presented for discussion. Over 800 delegates, including 80 observers, will participate in deliberations on the draft political resolution starting on Thursday.