The Communist Party of India (CPI) stands as a cornerstone in the annals of India's political history, embodying the essence of left-wing ideology and advocating for the rights of the working class. Established on 26th December 1925 in Kanpur, the CPI is the oldest communist party in India, playing a pivotal role in shaping the country's socio-political landscape.
The CPI traces its origins to the early 20th century, amidst the fervor of India's struggle for independence. Its formation marked a significant departure from mainstream political movements, as it embraced the principles of communism and Marxism–Leninism. Over the years, the CPI has evolved, adapting its strategies to the changing political dynamics of the nation.
At its core, the CPI is committed to communism and Marxism–Leninism, advocating for social justice, workers' rights, and the equitable distribution of resources. It stands as a light of hope for the marginalized and downtrodden, striving to create a more equitable society. As one of India's national parties, the CPI boasts a membership of around 650,000 individuals, showcasing its widespread appeal and influence. In terms of electoral seats, the CPI holds 22 seats across various legislative bodies in India, a testament to its enduring relevance in the political arena.
The CPI is a key player in several political alliances, including the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (National), Secular Progressive Alliance (Tamil Nadu, Puducherry), and Left Front (West Bengal), among others. This highlights the party's ability to forge alliances and collaborate with like-minded parties to further its agenda. In the Lok Sabha, the CPI holds 2 out of 543 seats, and in the Rajya Sabha, it holds 2 out of 245 seats, showcasing its modest yet significant presence in the national legislature. Across various state legislatures, the CPI holds 22 seats out of a total of 4,036, with notable representation in Kerala, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.
The Communist Party of India (CPI) continues to be a stalwart in Indian politics, advocating for its core principles and tirelessly working towards the betterment of society. With its unwavering commitment to social justice and equality, the CPI stands as a beacon of hope for the marginalized and a force to be reckoned with in the political arena.
Efforts to unite the opposition gained momentum as political parties coordinated action regarding the demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's removal. Ahead of an opposition meeting scheduled for 30 September at the Constitution Club, CPM General Secretary MA Baby is slated to meet former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Deliberations have brought together political rivals, including the Communist Party of India and the Trinamool Congress, alongside outreach to other parties. The discussions follow reports of internal objections by election commissioners over decisions taken by the Chief Election Commissioner. Opposition members plan to hold coordinated protests against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the Election Commission, while also preparing to move an impeachment motion in Parliament.
Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader MA Baby has reached out to non-NDA parties, including the Trinamool Congress, seeking wider opposition cooperation. Speaking on his conversation with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he said: "INDIA bloc is important, but it has to be INDIA bloc plus." The initiative seeks to bring together parties outside the National Democratic Alliance on national issues, despite decades of regional rivalry between the Left and the Trinamool Congress in Bengal.
Opposition parties under the INDIA bloc are preparing to present a united front against the Chief Election Commissioner, demanding his resignation. A crucial meeting of key alliance leaders is scheduled to take place on September 30 at the Constitution Club of India in Delhi. The gathering follows individual party discussions, including the Congress Working Committee meeting slated for September 29. Alliance partners, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), are formulating strategies to challenge the CEC and the central government over recent revelations. Leaders are deliberating plans for coordinated nationwide agitations and state-level demonstrations. Outreach efforts are also underway to bring together additional opposition groups and regional leaders under an expanded alliance platform. A joint press conference is expected following the conclusion of the September 30 meeting to announce their collective strategy and outline subsequent plans for protest action.
Opposition parties within the INDIA bloc and broader regional outfits are stepping up consultations to formulate a coordinated strategy demanding the resignation and criminal proceedings against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities. Top leaders, including Abhishek Banerjee and Rahul Gandhi, have held discussions regarding allegations of voter data and procedural inconsistencies in recent assembly elections. Efforts are underway to organise a joint meeting followed by an opposition media briefing to formalise their campaign. Parties including the Trinamool Congress, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Aam Aadmi Party, and regional groups are being approached to form an expanded front. Concurrently, public demonstration ultimatums have been issued demanding institutional accountability. NDA allies have also underscored the importance of institutional transparency, urging the Election Commission of India to publicly clarify concerns and uphold public trust in democratic electoral processes.
In a rare political development, Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee has backed Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary M.A. Baby's proposal for a joint opposition strategy. Responding promptly to Baby's letter, Banerjee urged opposition forces to set aside differences and unite to protect democracy. The two leaders also held a cordial telephonic conversation, discussing joint action regarding the Election Commission. Banerjee highlighted ongoing talks between Rajya Sabha MPs of both parties and mentioned recent discussions with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, pitching for an urgent opposition meeting in Delhi to formulate the next plan of action.
The Congress party has escalated its attack on the Election Commission of India over changes introduced to Form 6, which is required for new voter registration. Alleging that alterations were made without statutory notification or required rule amendments under the Representation of the People Act, the party argued that the Chief Election Commissioner lacked the power to amend the form. Congress leaders demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and urged the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognizance of the matter, citing barriers created for first-time young voters. Concurrently, broader consultations have begun among opposition outfits under an expanded front. Archrivals Trinamool Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) held telephonic talks, with Mamata Banerjee and M.A. Baby discussing joint opposition action and nationwide campaigns. Outfits including the Aam Aadmi Party, Biju Janata Dal, Bharat Rashtra Samithi, and DMK have also been approached to build a common platform against alleged commission irregularities.
The Election Commission of India has issued Special Intensive Revision notices to several high-profile figures across the national capital, sparking concerns over the verification procedure. Those flagged for discrepancies include a sitting Union Cabinet Minister, a former Army Chief, the Central Bureau of Investigation Director, former Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai, Communist Party of India (Marxist) Member of Parliament John Britas, Congress leader Udit Raj, and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. Discrepancies leading to these notices include names being unmapped with previous electoral rolls, name mismatches, and parental age inconsistencies. Aam Aadmi Party leaders and affected individuals have raised questions about data collection errors by booth-level officers. With Delhi voters required to justify their positions before upcoming deadlines ahead of the final electoral roll publication scheduled for November 4, 2026, the sweeping notices across political, judicial, and security circles have become a major administrative and political flashpoint.
A political row has erupted in Tamil Nadu over the proposed construction of a new secretariat at Pattinapakkam. Communist Party of India (Marxist) State Secretary P. Shanmugam criticized the Tamil Nadu government led by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, stating that the administration runs on the support of allies who were not consulted. Demanding the withdrawal of the government order and the cancellation of the project, Shanmugam urged the government to hold all-party meetings. In response, Tamil Nadu Minister Adhav Arjuna dismissed the allegations, clarifying that only a government order for preparing a Detailed Project Report has been issued and no final decision has been taken yet. He emphasized that the Chief Minister prioritizes the welfare of the fishermen community.
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has announced a statewide agitation on 12 September to protest against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay's speech in the Assembly. The party condemned the Chief Minister's remarks, corruption allegations, and a hand gesture allegedly mocking party chief MK Stalin's injuries sustained during the Emergency under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act. Although Chief Minister Vijay and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam issued a clarification stating that there was no intention to mock anyone, opposition leaders and TVK alliance partners, including the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and Communist Party of India (Marxist), termed the gesture irresponsible.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) staged a protest in Chennai led by CPM State Secretary P. Shanmugam against a circular seeking a compiled list of CPM and CPI members. The circular was issued by the Tehsildar of Guzhilamparai in Dindigul District, who was subsequently relieved from duty, summoned to Chennai for interrogation by the Revenue Commissioner, and the circular was withdrawn. Another controversial circular issued by the college department instructing students not to partake in protests was also withdrawn after the government clarified it had no intention to stifle student rights.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has condemned a Tamil Nadu government circular prohibiting student participation in protests organized by Left parties and other groups. Left leaders rejected Higher Education Minister P Viswanathan's explanation that the circular was issued inadvertently to ensure discipline, calling the move an illegal attempt to suppress Left student and youth organizations. The party stated that the circular was only revoked after facing severe backlash following news reports, arguing that state authorities were aware of the directive issued days earlier. The CPM questioned the government's focus on suppressing student voices while several state issues remain unaddressed, demanding action against responsible officials.
A political crisis is unfolding within the Trinamool Congress as a rebel faction, claiming support from twenty Members of Parliament, seeks to join the National Democratic Alliance.
A political row has erupted in West Bengal after the Suvendu Adhikari-led government made the recitation of Vande Mataram compulsory in madrasas and schools.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has staked a claim to form the government in Tamil Nadu, submitting a letter of support from 118 legislators to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Lok Bhavan.
In a major political development in Tamil Nadu, the CPI, CPM, and VCK have agreed to support the TVK chief, enabling the party to reach the crucial halfway majority mark of 118 MLAs.
TVK chief Vijay has sought an appointment with the Tamil Nadu Governor at Lok Bhavan at four thirty in the evening, sparking speculation about the party securing the required numbers to form the state government.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's aide was shot at point-blank range near Kolkata on Wednesday. The BJP alleged a targeted political revenge killing by the Trinamool Congress, while the TMC denied involvement and sought a CBI investigation.
On this Special Report, Shibi Mol examines the intensifying political controversy in Kerala as the Communist Party of India (Marxist) accuses the Congress of maintaining a radical alliance. The row erupted after the Jamaat-e-Islami state secretary reportedly reiterated the organization's commitment to 'establishing an Islamic republic,' stating they have 'not moved an inch away' from this belief. This contradicts earlier assertions by Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan, who had suggested the group moved away from its religious state ideology. Shibi Mol highlights how the CPIM is now challenging the Congress to reject support from communal organizations. While the Congress maintains it accepts votes from all groups, the CPIM alleges this 'radical tie-up' exposes ideological inconsistencies. The programme explores the escalating tension between the LDF and UDF as Kerala approaches crucial elections, focusing on the debate over secularism and religious statehood.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the political face-off in Kerala following Union Minister Ramdas Athawale's invitation to the Left parties to join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Athawale stated, 'Join the NDA and get more funds,' suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would announce a significant financial package for the state if the CPM aligned with the centre. He further proposed that Pinarayi Vijayan could continue as the Chief Minister under this arrangement. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has strongly rejected the overture, with State Secretary M.V. Govindan mocking the Union Minister's lack of understanding regarding Kerala's political history. The CPM emphasized its long-standing ideological battle against the RSS and BJP, asserting that the offer justifies their claims of being 'financially squeezed' by the central government. The report explores the unprecedented nature of an NDA minister inviting communist parties into their fold despite deep-seated ideological differences.
On this Special Report, the focus is on a significant political development in Kerala where Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, has extended an invitation to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Left parties to join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). During his visit to Kannur, Athawale stated, 'Honorable Vijayanji, I respect him because he's from the communist party, he's a leftist, I was also leftist but I joined NDA and the leadership of Narendra Modi.' He suggested that if the Left joins the NDA, Kerala would receive more development funds and a 'big package' from the Centre. Athawale further proposed that such a move would allow Pinarayi Vijayan to continue as the Chief Minister. The Left has responded by dismissing the offer, citing their historical ideological battle against the RSS and BJP in the state. The programme examines the implications of this unusual political overture ahead of the upcoming assembly polls.
