CPI(M) Report Indicates Insufficient Efforts to Counter BJP Government's Corporate-Communal Nexus

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPIM has acknowledged that its attempts to challenge the corporate-communal alliance led by the BJP government are still lacking, as per sources. The party's report on organisational matters, discussed on Saturday, emphasised the need for more extensive and sustained movements to counter the BJP government. It highlighted that people are ready to fight for their rights when they receive proper leadership.

Since the last party congress in 2021, the CPIM has undertaken various activities, but the organisational report noted that these efforts have not been sufficient. While several struggles and campaigns by party organisations have compelled governments to make concessions, more needs to be done. The report also outlined organisational measures necessary to implement tasks adopted by the political resolution, which was unanimously agreed upon during the party congress.

Membership Growth and Demographics

The CPIM has seen an increase in membership from 9,85,757 in 2021 to 10,19,009 in 2024. However, concerns were raised about the overall quality of members. The percentage of women in the party rose from 18.2% to 20.2%, and youth representation increased from 19.5% to 22.6%. Despite this growth, the report noted a low percentage of Muslim members.

Mass organisation memberships have grown by 64 lakh since the last congress. However, a recommended rectification campaign was not fully implemented at all district committee levels, which was identified as a significant weakness. Politburo member BV Raghavulu introduced the organisational report and addressed these issues during a press conference.

Challenges in Membership Quality

Raghavulu acknowledged a lag in membership quality, with some states experiencing a dropage rate of around 5-6%. He noted that while the overall quality is relatively good, certain areas show deficiencies. In Kerala, where the party is in power, membership numbers fluctuated from 5,27,174 in 2021 to 5,64,895 in 2024.

Despite these challenges, Raghavulu stated that concerns over member quality are not alarming. "Basically, the quality of the membership is relatively good," he said. However, he admitted that some pockets exhibit deficiencies that need addressing.

Resolutions Adopted at Party Congress

The CPIM adopted 13 resolutions during its party congress on Saturday. These included demands for restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and extending reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs to the private sector. Other resolutions expressed solidarity with Cuba and condemned the US-imposed blockade.

The party also called for recognising basic needs as fundamental rights and demanded withdrawal of the national policy framework on agricultural marketing. Resolutions addressed issues like drug addiction among youth, equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals, dignity for disabled persons, UGC draft regulations, resisting privatisation, deep-sea mining concerns, and increasing violence against women and children.