CPI(M) on recent developments

The party argued that India is facing an economic slowdown while the government is pursuing pro-corporate, anti-poor and sectarian policies. It also announced a series of political campaigns and protests to be undertaken in the coming months.

Economy and Social Welfare

The CPI(M) rejected the government's claims of strong economic performance, citing lower projected GDP growth, slowing private-sector activity, persistent unemployment, and concerns over inadequate monsoon rains. It also highlighted shortages of fertilizers, particularly urea, affecting farmers.

The party strongly opposed proposed amendments to the National Food Security Act, arguing that changing food entitlement criteria from a household-based to a per-capita system would reduce benefits for poor families, especially in southern states with smaller household sizes. It pledged to campaign against the amendments and lead protests if they are enacted.

Corruption Allegations

The communiqué referred to allegations that individuals associated with the Sangh Parivar had misappropriated donations collected for the Ayodhya Ram Temple, arguing that the scandal exposed the organization's true character. It also called for an impartial investigation into media reports alleging misuse of public funds by the Union Minister of State for Agriculture, linking these cases to broader accusations of corruption against the BJP government.

Citizenship and Communal Politics

The CPI(M) condemned the establishment of a High-Level Commission on Demographic Change, arguing that it lacks demographic experts and is intended to justify communal policies targeting minorities, particularly Muslims.

The party also criticized the Ministry of External Affairs' statement that a passport is not definitive proof of citizenship, claiming this complements the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. According to the communiqué, these measures are designed to disenfranchise vulnerable populations and advance the RSS's vision of a Hindu nationalist state.

Democratic Institutions and Political Developments

The communiqué accused the BJP of using "Operation Lotus" to weaken opposition parties and secure a parliamentary supermajority capable of advancing the RSS agenda. It argued that these practices undermine constitutional democracy and anti-defection laws.

The party also criticized the Election Commission, alleging that it no longer functions as an impartial constitutional institution, and announced a nationwide campaign demanding electoral reforms and greater transparency in the electoral process.

Land, Corporate Interests and Civil Liberties

The CPI(M) stated that state governments are allocating large areas of land to multinational corporations and major Indian business groups for data centres, resulting in forced displacement of local communities and environmental damage, including groundwater depletion.

The communiqué also condemned a new Gujarat police standard operating procedure that it says enables communal profiling and surveillance of minorities and dissenters, describing it as an attack on constitutional rights and civil liberties.

State-Level Issues

The party criticized the recently formed BJP government in West Bengal, accusing it of authoritarianism, police repression, attacks on CPI(M) offices, and restricting welfare benefits to certain groups.

It also condemned statements by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma threatening legal action against individuals involved in artistic expressions depicting progressive cultural figures, describing the remarks as authoritarian and aligned with the RSS agenda.

In Kerala, the CPI(M) accused the newly formed Congress-led government of adopting pro-corporate policies and compromising welfare measures introduced by the previous Left Democratic Front administration.

Foreign Policy

Internationally, the CPI(M) described the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding as fragile, arguing that continuing Israeli military actions in Lebanon demonstrate the limitations of the agreement. It maintained that the United States was compelled to negotiate because of growing international opposition to its policies.

The party also criticized the Indian government for failing to reduce domestic fuel prices despite declining global oil prices and called for immediate reductions in fuel costs and improved fertilizer supplies.

Party Review and Future Activities

The Central Committee reviewed the recent assembly election results, acknowledging shortcomings in campaigning, candidate selection and political messaging. It announced that rectification measures would be discussed by state committees in West Bengal and Kerala later in the year.

The party also announced a series of upcoming political initiatives, including:

• A nationwide campaign for electoral reform and the independence of the Election Commission.
• Support for the immediate implementation of women's reservation in legislatures.
• An anti-imperialist campaign opposing US policies toward Iran, Palestine, Venezuela and Cuba.
• Support for nationwide protests by trade unions and farmers, including the August 10 "Jail Bharao" action.
• Support for student protests demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while expressing concern over the health of hunger-striking activist Sonam Wangchuk and criticizing the government's refusal to address the students' demands.