Carrying the Torch Forward: A New Chapter in the Struggle

Madurai, April 2, 2025 — The 24th Congress of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) was kicked off today at the Sithrarm Yechury Nagar in Thumakkam Ground, Madurai. The event began with a vibrant march, where red volunteers—baby comrades, girls, and youth—moved in unison Tamilnadu CPI(M) State Committee Member Bala Velan leading the march.

The atmosphere was heavy with melancholy, as this Congress convened for the first time in CPI(M)’s history without the presence of its revered General Secretary. Yechury’s sudden passing while drafting the report for the 24th Congress adds a profound sense of loss to this congress. He remains the first General Secretary of CPI(M) to depart while holding office.

Known for his steadfast leadership and commitment to Marxism-Leninism, he played a crucial role in mobilizing millions against communalism, class exploitation, caste discrimination, and capitalism induced poverty. Perhaps it was this profound legacy that made the moment even more melancholic when the flag was hoisted by senior leader Biman Basu.

The slogans raised by the party workers resonated with unique intensity, carrying the weight of loss and longing, not just for the General Secretary, but also for stalwart leaders like Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, and countless martyrs from across the country, who lived for the red flag and become the star that stands with the hammer and sickle.

Yet, amid this palpable sense of loss, the congress carried forward its spirit. The draft report reflects his vision and insights, continuing to shape the party’s direction. As 800 delegates and 80 observers from across the country gathered to discuss and shape the party’s strategic and tactical line and deliberate on crucial issues facing the country and the party, his influence remains strong, a reminder that revolutionary flame burns not just in one leadership but the collective will of the people.

This collective spirit of the leadership was unmistakably visible, as the congress unfolded. It began with a musical performance by the youth of Tamilnadu, whose song extended solidarity with the struggle and fiercely denounced the fascist regime led by the Rashtrya Swayamsevak Sangh(RSS)-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Day one of the congress began with Politburo member Brinda Karat paying homage to the leaders who departed since the 23rd Congress, along with the martyrs of the party who laid down their lives for the red flag.

Following the homage, Politburo coordinator Prakash Karat inaugurated the congress. In his inaugural speech, Prakash Karat addressed the gathering with a strong call to action against the rising threats of Hindutva communalism, authoritarianism, and imperialist influence under the Modi led RSS-BJP government.

The speech critically analyzed the current political climate in India, identifying the BJP-RSS combine as the main adversary. He accused the NDA government of fostering a Hindutva-corporate nexus aligned with U.S. imperialism, pushing neo-liberal policies, and undermining democratic institutions. Karat pointed out the government’s anti-worker labour codes, attacks on federalism, authoritarian centralization, and communal polarization.

Karat stressed the importance of integrating struggles against both neo-liberal exploitation and Hindutva communalism, calling for broader Left unity and solidarity with secular and democratic forces. He said,“From Madurai, let this call go out loud and clear: All Left, democratic, and secular forces should unite to push back the dark forces of reaction. Let us work together to build a New India—one that is secular, democratic, and progressive.”

The president of the session, Manik Sarkar, highlighted the city’s historical and cultural significance, both as an ancient center of Tamil heritage and as a hub for the Communist and working-class movements. Sarkar recalled his participation in the 9th CPI(M) Congress held in Madurai in 1972, extending revolutionary greetings to Party members, supporters, and Left sympathizers across Tamil Nadu. He saluted the courage of workers, particularly the Samsung India factory workers in Kancheepuram, who conducted a 38-day strike despite severe repression, symbolizing the broader resistance against the Hindutva-corporate regime.

Concluding his speech, Sarkar emphasized the importance of strengthening the Party’s independent role through enhanced political, ideological, and organizational activities.

He Also welcomed key leaders from various Left parties— D. Raja (CPI), Dipankar Bhattacharya (CPI(ML) Liberation), Manoj Bhattacharya (RSP), and G. Devarajan (AIFB)—noting their presence as a commitment to the growing strength of Left unity.

Extending solidarity for the CPI(M)’s 24th Congress, Communist Party of India (CPI) General Secretary D Raja he talked about the broader international landscape, highlighting the deepening crisis of global capitalism. He criticized the neoliberal economic policies championed by the IMF and World Bank, which have only exacerbated inequality, with the wealth of a handful of billionaires surpassing that of entire nations. Drawing from Marx’s powerful words, he condemned capitalism’s brutal exploitation of the working class and nature.

The 24th Congress of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Madurai has set the stage for an important phase in the party’s ongoing struggle against the forces of imperialism, capitalism, and the corporate-communal nexus in India. This Congress sees the participation of a considerable number of experienced leaders from the Polit Bureau and Central Committee, alongside a dynamic new set of comrades bringing fresh energy and perspectives into the leadership.

Over the next four days, delegates and observers will engage in comprehensive discussions to shape the party’s strategic and tactical line, focusing on strengthening resistance against rising authoritarianism, Hindutva communalism, and neoliberal economic policies that threaten India’s democratic fabric.

The outcomes of these discussions will be crucial in mobilizing the masses, advancing the cause of social justice, and building a New India that is secular, democratic, and progressive. This Congress reflects the continued determination of the Communist movement to fight for the rights and dignity of the people.