Tudeh Party of Iran’s Statement of Solidarity with the Communist, Left and Progressive Forces in India

We express our unwavering solidarity with the left, democratic, and progressive forces in India. In particular we express solidarity with the fraternal Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)]as well as the broad mass movement of workers, peasants, studentsand youth, facing brutal state repression for peacefully protesting against electoral fraud and the disenfranchisement of eligible Indian citizens.

Over recent daysmassive peaceful demonstrations, in New Delhi and across India, have been sparked by concerns over the transparent and impartial conduct of the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. These protests have been met with an alarming escalation of state violence and arbitrary arrests. The government's heavy-handed response has targeted leaders and cadres of the CPI (M), civil society representativesand key political figures.

Notably, high-ranking leaders of the CPI(M) including General Secretary, M.A. Baby, and a number of other Political Bureau members, have been detained. This is in addition to various CPI(M) state and Central Committee leaders. Reports of leaders beingsubjected to physical maltreatment, denied basic necessities like food, water, and essential medications, and having personal communication devices seized, highlight a blatant assault on fundamental constitutional freedoms and democratic rights.

The right to vote is the bedrock of any functioning democracy, and raising legitimate, peaceful concerns against opaque procedures or the mass deletion of eligible voters is a fundamental right of citizens. This escalating authoritarianism and the suppression of popular dissent exposes a deep fear of democratic mobilization and proves the reactionary nature of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Echoing the strong condemnations voiced internationally by the Left and progressive forces, the Tudeh Party of Iran demands the immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested, the immediate cessation of the flawed SIR process, and accountability for the systemic violations of democratic norms. The struggle to defend voting rights, constitutional freedoms, and human dignity in India is a vital part of the global fight for justice and democracy.

Hands off the Indian communists, youth, and people!

The Tudeh Party of Iran

Monday 12 October 2026