- Suravaram Sudhakara Reddy,
Former General Secretary, CPI
This is not an exposition of the storied past of the Indian Communist movement. Rather, it's a succinct exploration of its influence and the achievements of the wider Indian left movement.
The Communist Party of India holds the distinction of being the foremost party to demand complete independence for the country. This stance intensified the public's push on Congress leaders, who had previously focused on "Home Rule." Following this, the Congress party too adopted the stance for total independence. The CPI played a pivotal role in shaping independent mass organisations for workers, farmers, and students, empowering them to assert their rights and engage in the struggle to attain them.
The Communist Party of India emerged from the fervent dedication of dozens of young revolutionaries, driven by the principles of Marxism-Leninism and the influence of the Great October Socialist Revolution. As the party embarked on its journey, it faced formidable challenges, including legal battles and the harsh reality of its members being imprisoned and mistreated under sedition laws, specifically section 124-A. These early struggles, however, only fueled the party's growth and resolve. Despite the adversities, the CPI's membership surged from a modest group of revolutionaries to a vast network of thousands, eventually expanding to lakhs of members. This remarkable growth, borne out of sacrifice and resilience, established the Communist Party of India as a significant and influential political force across the nation.
The Communist Party of India spearheaded the esteemed Ponnapra-Vayalar uprising in Kerala, and heroically led the peasant armed struggle against the autocratic, feudal regime of the Nizam in Hyderabad State. This territory was marked by the sacrifices of approximately 4,500 communists, whose bloodshed, along with the tears of their families, became a testament to their extraordinary struggle. Their valiant efforts were instrumental in liberating the land from the grips of feudalism, oppressive landlords, and, most notably, from the Razakars, the private militia of the Nizam. This marked a significant chapter in the CPI's history, showcasing their commitment to challenging tyranny and injustice.
Praful Bidwai, an acclaimed late journalist, authored the critical work "The Phoenix Movement," focusing on the communist and left movements in India. This seminal book, published posthumously three days after his passing, adds to his legacy of impactful literature. Bidwai primarily discusses the two major communist parties in the political forefront, while also referencing Naxalite factions and non-communist socialist movements. The book presents a detailed narrative, exploring various facets of the long-standing journey of these parties, including both supportive perspectives and vigorous critiques. This balanced examination reflects Bidwai's comprehensive understanding and his unbiased approach to political journalism.
In "The Phoenix Movement," Praful Bidwai extends his analysis to the mass organisations representing toiling and middle-class sections, highlighting their movements, as well as the profound impact of literary and cultural performances. He articulates the significant influence these organisations wielded over tens of lakhs of ordinary people. However, Bidwai also offers a relentless critique, pointing out that due to historical errors not aligned with Marxism in the context of Indian history, and a failure to make independent decisions, these parties have lost a substantial portion of their influence among the populace. This critique underscores his objective approach in evaluating the successes and shortcomings of these movements.
Understanding the 'Phoenix' Metaphor: How the Indian Communist Movement Mirrors the Resilience and Renewal of the Mythical Bird in its 99th Year
In the myths of Roman, Egyptian, and Greek cultures, the Phoenix is depicted as a vibrant and magnificent bird, known for its ability to rise anew from its ashes, even after being killed and burned. This trait symbolises its fearlessness and resilience. Praful Bidwai likened the entirety of the communist movement to a "Phoenix Movement," reflecting the belief that it is a fighting and enduring entity, despite perceptions of it being a myth or superstition. This analogy aptly captures the spirit of the movement. The comparison brings to mind the histories of several countries. For instance, after Russia and China, Indonesia's communist party emerged as one of the largest globally. Despite the brutal massacre of a million communists by dictator Suharto, the party in Indonesia is experiencing a revival. Similarly, in America, the communist party overcame McCarthyism to rebuild itself, and in Iraq, despite the killing of thousands of communists, the party continues to grow stronger. This narrative illustrates the undying spirit and resurgence akin to the Phoenix, as seen in communist movements worldwide.
The Communist Party of India stands as a unique entity, deeply rooted in the ethos of class struggles. Over the past 98 years, it has encountered a myriad of challenges and overcome numerous obstacles. Countless cadres and leaders of the party have endured legal trials, spent substantial portions of their lives in prisons, and faced years in hiding. They have suffered at the hands of police brutality and faced violence from anti-communist factions. These experiences testify to the party's resilience and its members' unwavering commitment to their cause, enduring through extreme hardships and sacrifices.
Many members of the Communist Party of India were forced to separate from their families, becoming targets of fabricated legal cases. They endured oppression not only under the British imperialist regime but also faced repression from capitalist and communal party governments following India's independence. Despite these adversities, the Communist Party managed to persevere as a political entity. Learning from their defeats, rectifying mistakes, and enduring significant losses, the party grew stronger, particularly through united movements. Symbolically, red flags proudly wave over the graves of martyrs, a testament to the enduring spirit and sacrifices of the communists. This imagery underscores the party's resilience and the unwavering commitment of its members to their ideals.
During the 1990s, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the weakening of communist parties globally, many experienced significant changes. In Italy, the once powerful Communist Party, which had secured a substantial portion of the national vote, faced a decline in influence. Initially rebranding itself as the "Party of the Left," it struggled to regain its former prominence. Recognizing this, the party underwent another transformation, rebranding itself as the "Communist Refoundation Party." Despite these changes and ongoing challenges, it remained an active political force, participating in various struggles and maintaining its status as a recognized political entity.
Praful Bidwai's "The Phoenix Movement" discusses these global shifts, contrasting them with the resilience of the Indian communist parties. Despite the international trends, the main Indian communist parties not only survived but continued to lead significant struggles. These parties saw an increase in membership, strengthened their mass organisations, and led militant movements. They achieved democratic success in Indian elections, notably governing in Kerala, West Bengal, and Tripura, where they implemented policies favourable to workers, farmers, and agricultural labourers, thus demonstrating a viable communist alternative.
Bidwai also highlights the influential role played by communists in India's political arena, including the abolition of privy purses, nationalisation of key industries, and the implementation of progressive social schemes. The support of 61 communist parliament members in 2004 was crucial in forming the UPA government, thereby preventing a communal government. This period marked significant achievements in public sector development, worker rights, and social security.
Notably, the election of a communist government in Kerala in 1957 through democratic means was a global first, emphasising the significant role of communist parties in India. These parties continue to exert substantial effort and influence, as detailed in Bidwai's comprehensive narrative.
In the past, the Communist Party of India (CPI) had representation across all state assemblies in India. However, the Election Commission of India recently revoked its national recognition due to technical reasons. Despite this setback, the CPI maintains a strong presence with a membership of six hundred fifty thousand, including thousands of primary branches across all states, extending to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
In addition to the party's direct membership, there are mass organisations with a combined membership of around three crore individuals, among whom communists are actively involved. It's important to note that not all members of these mass organisations are communists; these are independent bodies. These organisations are engaged in advocating for various causes, including defending public sector undertakings and addressing issues like price rise. They also play a crucial role in raising political consciousness among their members.
Even Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPM, has similarly seen an increase in the membership of its mass organisations. This expansion indicates an ongoing engagement and influence of communist ideology and activities in India, despite the challenges and changing political landscape. The continued activism and involvement in national issues demonstrate the adaptability and resilience of these organisations in the Indian political context.
The focus here is not to excessively praise the past achievements of the communist and left parties in India, but to acknowledge the reality that their political power has been waning. Despite this decline in political power, the influence of these parties continues to resonate with progressive masses, intellectuals, writers, and other groups.
In recent decades, communists have been at the forefront of fighting against caste discrimination and untouchability. They have actively supported and facilitated a significant number of inter-caste marriages, challenging deeply rooted social norms and practices. Additionally, their efforts to combat superstitions have led to meaningful social change, promoting scientific understanding among new sections of society.
This progressive and transformative impact is a key reason why groups like the RSS and BJP view the communists as adversaries and fear their influence. The communist and left parties' commitment to social equality, scientific rationality, and their challenge to traditional hierarchies and beliefs, positions them as crucial agents of change in the ongoing social and political discourse in India.
The imperative for the communist and left parties in India is to actively resist communal, fascist, and corporate forces and such governments. This resistance is seen as a historical mission for communists, deeply embedded in their ideological commitments to social justice, equality, and the fight against oppressive systems.
The question of feasibility — "Is it possible?" — is met with a resolute "Yes, it is possible." This assertion underscores a belief in the power and potential of collective action and ideological commitment. The history of the communist movement, marked by its struggles and successes against various forms of oppression, lends credence to this optimism. The ability to mobilise, educate, and organise people around these issues remains a key strength of the communist and left movements. Their ongoing engagement with progressive causes, despite the challenges they face, reflects their enduring capacity to influence and enact change in the social and political landscape.
Acknowledging that there is no magic in the hands of communists, the emphasis is placed on their most potent tool: scientific socialism. Marxism is heralded as their strongest and most glorious weapon, a framework capable of eradicating class exploitation and achieving political and economic equality. This ideology underpins the belief that as long as issues like unemployment and discrimination persist, the struggle of the communists will continue.
This perspective highlights the commitment of communists to a long-term vision of societal change, grounded in the principles of Marxism. It underscores the belief that through the application of scientific socialism, significant and transformative social progress can be made. The ongoing challenges of unemployment and discrimination are seen not just as issues to be addressed, but as catalysts that drive the continuous efforts of communists to work towards a more equitable and just society.
Evaluating the Reality of Alternative Solutions
In this phase, a significant portion of the populace may temporarily align with communal forces due to religious sentiments. However, the majority hold democratic values. The current imperative is to bring together all secular and democratic-minded groups into a broad-based coalition. This historic task is seen as achievable through the scientific understanding possessed by communists. A united front of various communist and leftist groups, serving as a central axis for joint action, can instil confidence among the populace and opposition parties.
In regions like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, non-communist, family-based parties hold considerable regional influence. In Tamil Nadu, parties opposing communalism and casteism are both in power and in opposition. The strategy involves unifying these diverse groups. Additionally, central parties opposing the BJP need to be part of this coalition.
However, such unity is not attainable through meetings alone; it requires collective struggles and united mass movements. While this unity may be limited in scope, its achievement is crucial and must be based on principled unity.
The call to action is clear: to move beyond past discussions and focus on uniting and undertaking joint actions for the benefit of the people, the country, and the defence of democracy. This initiative requires the involvement not just of communists but also of revolutionary parties and intellectuals, who are urged to consider this direction.
With a proud history spanning 98 years and a legacy of sacrifices, having shed blood on every inch of the land, communist parties are called upon to respond swiftly to the issue of building a broad-based coalition. This rich history of struggle and resilience positions them as key players in spearheading the unification of diverse democratic and secular forces. Their rapid response and active participation are crucial in mobilising these groups towards a common goal of defending democracy and addressing the nation's pressing challenges.
On the occasion of this foundation anniversary, let's solemnly pledge to unite all red flags under the banner of Communism, with the dedicated aim of eradicating the system of exploitation. This oath symbolises a commitment to solidarity, a convergence of efforts and ideologies towards a common objective, and a reinvigoration of the principles that have long guided the movement. It's a call to action for all supporters and members to work together in the spirit of Marxism to effect meaningful and transformative change in society.
- Long live the Communist Party of India!
- Long live the unity of left parties!
- Long live secular and democratic unity!
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