Carry forward the revolutionary legacy of CPI

Pallab Sengupta

The centenary celebration of the Communist Party of India (CPI) will start from 26^th December this year and continue till 26^th December, 2025. Centenary celebration marks a historic milestone, not only for the party but also for the nation. This occasion is an opportunity to reflect on the CPI's extraordinary contributions to India’s freedom movement, its struggles post-independence, its sacrifices for the working class and marginalized, and its profound influence on the international communist movement.

At the founding conference itself, the objectives of the Party were presented to the people of India.

In his presidential speech, Comrade M. Singaravelu Chettiar stated: “What we communist should aim in India is a simple life for all, a life free from anxiety for the daily bread, a life free from premature death and decay, a life free from ignorance. We communists should believe that by the gradual and peaceful application of communism, a better life can be brought about in India. The future of India is in our hands. A better India lies in our dreams. Let us therefore try to realise the dream of a free India, free from exploitation of the weak by the strong; free from drudgery which killeth (kills) our life, free from starvation, discase and death, free to express our thoughts without let or hindrance, but enjoy the highest product of art, science, and culture and free to sing the song of labour”

The foundation conference adopted its first constitution, in which the Party clearly stated its objectives. It declared: “The establishment of a workers’ and peasants’ republic based on the socialization of the means of production and distribution, through the liberation of India from British imperialist domination.”

For the last hundred years, the CPI has remained committed to realizing these objectives, adapting its strategy and tactics to the demands of changing situations.

The CPI was founded in 1925, a time when India was under the yoke of British colonialism. The party emerged as a revolutionary force, offering a radical alternative to the mainstream nationalist movements. It played a critical role in mobilizing workers, peasants, and intellectuals against imperial oppression. The CPI’s emphasis on class struggle provided a much-needed perspective on the socio-economic dimensions of the freedom movement.

Shortly after its formation, the Party realized that to advance the mass struggles against British imperialists and reactionary forces, it was essential to establish mass political organizations representing various sections of society. Consequently, the All India Students Federation (AISF), the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), and the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA), Progressive Writers Association (PWA) were formed.

All these mass organisations played important role before independence and still playing after independence.

After the formation, CPI started its historical battels against British imperialism and Indian big landlords and made tremendous sacrifices. Before its formation as all India party, communist groups in different parts of the country faces jailed and atrocities. The Kanpur conspiracy case, Meerut conspiracy case, Peshawar conspiracy case and sending our comrades to draconian Cellular jail are the few examples by which British wanted to supress and development of the Party in its initial stage.

The Telangana arms struggle, along with the movements in Kayyur, Punnapra-Vayalar, Bihar, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Tevaga in United Bengal, and other land struggles, as well as the democratic struggles for people's causes, which involved enduring imprisonment and death sentences, are written in golden ink in the history of our independence struggle.

During the Quit India Movement of 1942, though CPI did not support the movement but continued to advocate for anti-colonial resistance. The party’s clandestine activities, distribution of anti-imperialist literature, and support for workers’ strikes demonstrated its commitment to India's liberation. Leaders of that time successfully infused Marxist thought into the freedom struggle, highlighting the interconnectedness of national liberation and social emancipation.

Post-Independence Struggles and Sacrifices after independence, the CPI’s focus shifted to addressing the contradictions within Indian society. The party championed the causes of land reforms, worker’s, peasant’s women, students and youth rights, and social justice. It was at the forefront of struggles for the redistribution of land to landless peasants and against feudal exploitation. The Telangana Rebellion (1946-1951) remains a shining example of the CPI’s commitment to peasant rights, where the party organized one of the largest armed struggles for agrarian reform.

The CPI also played a pivotal role in shaping India’s democratic fabric. Despite facing repression, including bans and arrests during the early years of independence, the party continued to fight for the rights of the working class and marginalized communities. Its role in organizing trade unions and advocating for worker’s laws ensured better working conditions for millions of Indian workers. Moreover, the CPI’s sacrifices are etched in history. From party cadres who gave their lives in class struggles to leaders who endured imprisonment and persecution, the CPI has always prioritized the greater good over personal gains.

The CPI has also been an integral part of the international communist movement, connecting India’s struggles with international efforts against imperialism and capitalism. It established solidarity with socialist countries and played a significant role in organizations like the Comintern. The party’s ideological contributions, particularly in adapting Marxism-Leninism to the Indian context, have been acknowledged globally. CPI has consistently supported anti-colonial movements in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, aligning themselves with the broader struggle for global justice. By advocating for non-alignment during the Cold War, the CPI provided an alternative to the binary world order, emphasizing peaceful coexistence and anti-imperial solidarity.

During this period, while the Party was advancing as an opposition party in Parliament, expanding its base in different states, and securing a significant number of representatives in various state assemblies, it also faced numerous challenges. The division of the Party, along with tactical and sectarian mistakes, weakened the communist movement. However, the Party has worked to overcome these problems by relying on a scientific understanding of Marxism-Leninism and its application to Indian realities.

Due to uneven capitalist development, reforms in the agrarian sector, and changes in the correlation of productive forces—reflected in the evolving character of the Indian state—the Party has also adjusted its strategic perceptions at every stage, making corresponding changes to its programmatic documents. Starting from first Programme of Peoples Democratic Revolution, then 7^th Congress adopted the strategy of National Democratic Revolution and finally in 22^nd Congress it adopted strategy of Democratic Revolution to meet the present days challenges as the state in India became the organ of the class rule of the bourgeoise headed by corporate big business and monopolies.”

 As we face contemporary political challenges, as India grapples with growing socio-economic inequalities, communal polarization, and environmental crises, the CPI’s legacy offers valuable lessons. The party’s unwavering commitment to secularism and social justice is more relevant than ever in countering divisive forces and protecting the constitutional ethos. The CPI’s advocacy for workers’ rights, public welfare, and equitable development provides a framework to address the challenges posed by neoliberal policies and corporate exploitation. Its historical emphasis on grassroots mobilization underscores the importance of empowering marginalized communities to participate in the democratic process. 

The centenary also serves as an occasion to reflect on the need for unity among progressive forces. By fostering alliances with other leftist and democratic movements, the CPI can amplify its impact and offer a robust alternative to the current political discourse. The global rise of authoritarianism and right-wing populism further underscores the importance of the CPI’s ideological clarity and organizational strength.

As part of the year-long celebrations, the highlight will be the 25th Congress of the Party. The National Council has decided to hold the Congress in Chandigarh from 21-25 September, 2025. Choosing Chandigarh as the venue acknowledges the historical role played by the Party in Punjab. The Party's heroic contributions during the independence struggle, its significant role in post-independence democratic movements, and, most importantly, its valiant efforts and sacrifices in combating the Khalistani movement—during which more than 400 Party members and their families became martyrs—make Punjab a fitting venue. It serves as the ideal place to collectively reaffirm our resolve to strengthen the Communist Party of India as a formidable force to be reckoned with.

Part of our collective resolve will be to strengthen our organization to achieve the objective of the centenary celebration: "Strengthen the CPI for social transformation."

So, the need of the hour is to strengthen the Party. Last Party Congress in its Political and Organisational resolutions discussed all these related issues. But when we are talking about building and strengthen the party, let us remember Comrade Ajoy Ghosh, our former general secretary who wrote an important article “Some of our main weaknesses in Party organisation.”

 He stated: “The Party grows by raising the ideological-political level of its cadres. The Party grows by inculcating Marxist-Leninist consciousness in the working class, among the agricultural workers, poor peasants and among the revolutionary intelligentsia who constitute an extremely important section in our country. The Party grows by conducting political education among the broad masses in the spirit of Marxism-Leninism. The Party grows by conducting a sharp battle against all varieties of bourgeois ideology. The Party grows by conducting struggle on all fronts and among all social strata.”

His ideas are still valid and prerequisite for building the Party in all levels.      

This is a critical time when communal fascists are ruling the country and have unleashed attacks on all sections of society. Struggling against these forces is the only alternative. Crises always opens different avenues. Considering present mass upsurge against the RSS-BJP rule under the Modi government, communists must adopt appropriate tactics so that united mass and class organizations can lead the battle for change.

In these diverse forms of struggle, the role of cultural and literary movements must be pivotal in fostering progressive thought, secularism, and egalitarian ideals. India’s cultural legacy is crucial in countering the reactionary ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which seeks to impose a homogenized and exclusionary vision of Indian identity. Our activities should aim to strengthen pluralism and secularism, directly countering the RSS's attempts to rewrite history, suppress dissent, and polarize society along communal lines. Through alliances with progressive intellectuals, artists, and activists, the PWA and IPTA must mobilize cultural and literary platforms to expose the divisive and anti-democratic nature of the RSS's ideology. By reinvigorating its cultural agenda, the CPI can not only preserve the rich tapestry of India's diverse traditions but also strengthen the ideological fight against forces that threaten the country's secular and democratic fabric.

The centenary year of the Communist Party of India is a celebration of a hundred years of struggle, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to justice and equality. The party’s historical contributions to India’s freedom movement, its relentless fight for the oppressed, and its role in the international communist movement are testaments to its enduring relevance. As we confront the critical challenges of our times, the CPI’s revolutionary legacy serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action.

Drawing inspiration from our rich history, let us strengthen our party and work towards a future that upholds the principles of democracy, secularism, and social justice, as we move forward to fulfil the tasks of the Democratic Revolution.