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.
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.
A Special Report with Gaurav Sawant details India's dual security and diplomatic challenges. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi confirms that "Operation Sindoor" is ongoing, revealing a fierce fire assault in the Lipa Valley sector killed at least 100 Pakistani soldiers. This occurs amid intense political friction in New Delhi after a Communist Party of China (CPC) delegation met with both the BJP and the RSS, a first since the 2020 Galwan clash. The Congress party criticized the government for the engagement, which happened as China reaffirmed claims over the Shaksgam Valley. However, a senior Congress leader also met the same delegation. Experts Brahma Chellaney and Shrikant Kondapalli analyze if this signals a tactical shift while border disputes in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh persist and India maintains that Shaksgam Valley is its sovereign territory.
On this episode of India First, host Gaurav Sawant leads a high-level debate on the shifting dynamics of India-China relations. The discussion follows a visit by a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) delegation that met with leaders from both the BJP and the Congress. Gaurav Sawant notes, 'China now claims Shaksgam Valley... officially claiming it as their own territory,' questioning if political engagement is moving too fast while border issues remain unresolved. The panel, featuring Professor Brahma Chellaney and Professor Shrikant Kondapalli, examines whether India is drifting toward appeasement or if the 'Trump effect' is driving a tactical readjustment. The transcript highlights the Congress party's criticism of the BJP's 'red carpet' welcome for the CCP despite the China-Pakistan 'tango' during Operation Sindoor. Experts also discuss the military build-up in Tibet and the implications of the recent disengagement at the LAC, debating whether India is eroding its leverage by agreeing to normalization without full de-escalation.
India Today's ace correspondent Mausmi Singh reports on the meeting between senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid and a Chinese Communist Party delegation, which was held earlier today as a courtesy call. According to Mausmi Singh, 'in the morning, Salman Khurshid, the former Foreign Affairs Minister, you know, who also heads the Foreign Affairs Department of the Congress, he met this delegation at the behest of the CPC, apparently as a goodwill gesture, as a courtesy call.' The meeting comes just hours after Congress's Pawan Khera criticised the BJP for their interaction with the same delegation, raising questions about consistency in Congress's approach. Mausmi Singh highlights that such diplomatic meetings are routine protocol when foreign political delegations visit India.
The bulletin focuses on the BJP hosting a delegation of the Communist Party of China at its headquarters in New Delhi amid continuing India-China tensions along the Line of Actual Control. The key quote highlighted is: 'during the meeting they discussed ways to enhance communication and interaction between the two political parties'. The programme flags that this is described as the first major political outreach since the Galwan Valley clashes, while noting that border issues remain unresolved. It raises questions over whether the outreach is strategic engagement or mixed messaging, and discusses the likelihood of political reactions in India, with the speaker stating that attention will centre on how the party and the government explain engagement while post-Galwan conversations are still underway.
The bulletin focuses on the political row after BJP leaders hosted a Chinese delegation at the BJP headquarters in the national capital amid strained India-China ties and continuing tension at the LAC. The Congress attacks the meeting, with the key line being: 'Congress Party's Supriya Sinha claims China has claimed the Shaxgam Valley of Jammu and Kashmir as its own territory.' The programme also says the Congress alleges China has been carrying out construction for the past several days under the name of CPEC after Ladakh, and asks how China has managed to intrude and show 'audacity'. In the discussion, the meeting is described as giving the opposition fresh ammunition, while noting India’s position that unresolved issues must be addressed and it cannot be business as usual if tensions persist.
Congress MP Sonia Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Modi government following the parliamentary approval of the controversial G.Ramji Bill, which replaces the MGNREGA scheme. Gandhi accused the Centre of ignoring the interests of the unemployed and launching a 'bulldozer attack' on the rural job guarantee programme. In a direct counter-move, the West Bengal government renamed its 'Karmashree' scheme to 'Mahatmashree'. The transcript also highlights protests by the Telangana Congress and a special Vidhan Sabha session called by Punjab. The Communist Party of India also condemned the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the act.
A political showdown has erupted over the controversial 'G.Ramji bill' which received parliamentary approval to replace the Mandrega rural employment scheme. Congress MP Sonia Gandhi has launched a scathing attack on the Modi government over the move. Protests by the Telangana Congress have taken place in Hyderabad, while West Bengal has renamed its own scheme in response. An unidentified speaker from the Communist Party of India condemned the bill, stating, 'The Modi government ignored the interests of the unemployed, the poor and the deprived in rural areas and made every effort to weaken Manrega.' The speaker further criticised the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the scheme. The BJP has hit back, calling the protests a 'political drama'. As the debate intensifies, the future of India's flagship rural employment guarantee programme hangs in the balance.
In a shocking incident from Kerala's Malappuram, a local CPIM leader has sparked a massive controversy with sexist remarks during a post-election victory speech. The leader, addressing a gathering after the local body polls, launched a scathing attack on the Muslim League for fielding women candidates. He stated, 'We didn't marry women to showcase them before other men, but to sleep with their husband.' This regressive comment has drawn widespread condemnation, questioning the progressive image of the Left party. The report highlights the stark contrast between the state's progressive reputation and such misogynistic mindsets at the grassroots level.
This report focuses on two Communist Party of India (Marxist) activists in Kerala sentenced for a 2012 bomb attack on police. The activists, one of whom is a candidate in local body polls, were convicted and given a sentence that will see them serve 10 years in jail. As they were taken from court, fellow CPM activists and leaders greeted them with revolutionary slogans. According to India Today's Shivimol KG, 'They were sentenced for 10 years for throwing bombs at police officers in order to kill them during a protest in 2012.' The report highlights that the party has not withdrawn the convicted activist's election candidature, and he will now contest the polls from jail, with the party planning to campaign for him. The incident is noted as not being the first of its kind in the Kannur district.
This special report focuses on the escalating infighting within Bihar's Mahagathbandhan in the Bachhwara assembly constituency, located in a region once known as the 'Leningrad of Bihar'. The conflict pits alliance partners Congress against the Communist Party of India (CPI), with both fielding separate candidates, which may benefit the BJP. A local RJD leader, expressing frustration, stated, 'unke kaaran Bihar Mein Mahagathbandhan gadbad AA gayi hai. Jisake ka Congress ke kaaran' (The Grand Alliance in Bihar is in disarray because of them, because of Congress). The CPI has nominated veteran leader Awadhesh Kumar Rai, who narrowly lost to the BJP by just 484 votes in the 2020 election. Meanwhile, RJD leaders have been directed to support the CPI candidate, deepening the fracture within the opposition alliance and setting the stage for a contentious three-cornered fight.
The outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) has announced a temporary suspension of its armed struggle to facilitate peace talks. In a statement, the group has asked the government to declare a one-month ceasefire and halt all security operations to initiate the process. This development comes in the wake of significant operations by central forces, which included the killing of CPI (Maoist) General Secretary Basavaraju. The Chhattisgarh government is currently verifying the authenticity of the purported statement which surfaced on social media. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, who holds the home portfolio, stated that the veracity of the communication is being checked and mentioned that the best path for Maoists is to surrender and benefit from the government's rehabilitation schemes.
The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University's ability to enrol international students under the Student Exchange Visitor Program. This decision affects nearly 6,800 students, including 788 from India, who may lose their legal status in the U.S. unless they transfer. The Department of Homeland Security cites concerns about protests, anti-Semitism, and alleged coordination with the Chinese Communist Party on campus. Harvard plans to file a lawsuit in response to this decision.
The Lok Sabha bypolls in Wayanad will take place on November 13 and the counting of votes will be carried out on November 23. Priyanka Gandhi will contest the election against BJP's Navya Haridas and senior Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Sathyan Mokeri, who has been fielded as the Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate. The bypoll was necessitated after Rahul Gandhi vacated the seat after being elected as the Lok Sabha MP from Raebareli as well.
The footage shows Communist Party of India leader Sanjay Nangre staging a demonstration by sitting in a waterlogged, mud-filled area on a road in Shevgaon, a district affected by heavy rain.
In the bustling textile hub of Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, a shift in sentiment is palpable as the impact of GST continues to loom large over the industry. Home to a large number of textile industries, Tiruppur, also known as the knitwear city or textile city, has been grappling with significant issues concerning the availability and cost of raw materials.
Explore the deep-rooted political intricacies of Nagapattinam, a significant constituency in Tamil Nadu.
Congress legislature party leader A Revanth Reddy was on Thursday sworn in as Chief Minister of Telangana at a glittering ceremony which was attended by top Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed the Union Home Ministry to release Rs 450 crore, the second instalment to Tamil Nadu for cyclone relief, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday. Chaos erupted during Wednesday's Republican presidential debate as candidates targeted each other, with former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley taking the brunt of the attacks as she gets more interest from donors and voters. Notably, the feud between Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy grew more heated in the fourth debate that reignited one of the most contentious feuds of the primary cycle thus far, which was punctuated by Ramaswamy’s accusation that Haley was “corrupt”. MV Govindan, the state secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M), has asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to contest the Lok Sabha polls against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rather than competing with parties that are part of the INDIA alliance, which includes the CPI(M).
