The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPM] is placing strong emphasis on securing a third consecutive term in Kerala under Pinarayi Vijayan’s leadership, seeing it as a key strategy for national expansion. At the 24th CPM Party Congress, Politburo coordinator Prakash Karat presented the political review report and draft political resolution, both of which stress the importance of continued governance in Kerala. The leadership’s endorsement of Vijayan suggests he may receive another exemption to remain in the Politburo, further solidifying his influence within the party.
The CPM’s stance on the Congress was another key point of discussion. The draft resolution acknowledges the Congress’s role in a secular alliance against the BJP, but highlights its unchanged economic policies and compromising approach toward Hindutva-related issues. The resolution suggests that while CPM can collaborate with Congress in opposition, a formal political alliance is unnecessary. Additionally, the political review report warns that the Congress’s inability to take a firm stand against the BJP could weaken the broader opposition movement, urging CPM to maintain ideological clarity while engaging in national politics.
The Party Congress also addressed concerns over CPM’s stagnation at the national level, noting that signs of decline have been visible since the 17th Party Congress in 2002. The review report warns that this trend has worsened, making winning a third term in Kerala crucial for the party’s survival and relevance. Internal discussions on this decline are expected to intensify, with calls for revamping strategies to strengthen CPM’s national presence. As the stronghold of the Left in India, Kerala’s political trajectory under Pinarayi Vijayan will be a determining factor in the party’s future course.
