20th Party Congress: Strengthening the Left Alternative

The 20th Party Congress of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), held for the first time in Kozhikode from April 4 to 9, 2012, declared the fight against neoliberal policies as its primary political agenda. The Party Congress announced that it would lead an uncompromising struggle against neoliberal policies—which have made the lives of working people miserable—at the national, state, and local levels. The political resolution stated that the CPI(M) would relentlessly oppose the agendas of both the Congress and the BJP, which aggressively promote neoliberal policies, while advancing a leftist, secular alternative.
The Party also resolved to take up issues concerning Dalits, women, and minorities while strengthening its independent influence. Politburo member Sitaram Yechury presented the ideological resolution. The Party Congress adopted several key resolutions discussing various challenges faced by the Indian people. It also decided to enforce a three-term limit for all party positions, from the General Secretary to local secretaries.
The Congress elected an 89-member Central Committee, with Prakash Karat as the General Secretary, and a 15-member Politburo.