The Communist Party of India (CPI)
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: IE
Subject: History
Context: The Communist Party of India (CPI) has completed 100 years since its founding, marking a century of organised Communist politics in India.
About The Communist Party of India (CPI):
What it is?
• The Communist Party of India (CPI) is one of India’s oldest political parties, rooted in Marxist ideology, committed to representing the interests of workers, peasants, and marginalised classes through both mass movements and parliamentary politics.
Established in: December 26, 1925, at Kanpur (then Cawnpore)
• Founded through a national conference of Indian Communist groups active within India
Note: An earlier émigré CPI was formed in Tashkent in 1920, a point of historical debate
• Liberation of India from British imperialism (pre-1947).
• Socialisation of means of production and distribution.
• Creation of a socially just, egalitarian society free from exploitation.
Evolution:
• 1920s–30s: Influenced by the Russian Revolution (1917); faced repression through conspiracy cases (Kanpur, Meerut).
• 1930s–40s: Participation in trade unionism, peasant struggles, and United Fronts with socialist forces.
• 1940s: Led major agrarian movements like Tebhaga (Bengal) and Telangana.
• Post-Independence: Shifted largely to parliamentary democracy, forming elected governments in Kerala, West Bengal, and Tripura.
• 1964: Major ideological split leading to the formation of CPI (Marxist) amid debates over constitutionalism and the Sino-Soviet split.
Leaders associated:
• M. N. Roy: International Marxist theorist; linked to Comintern and Tashkent phase
• S. A. Dange: Key organiser of Indian Communism; associated with Kanpur foundation
• Muzaffar Ahmad: Pioneer of Communist movement in Bengal
• P. C. Joshi: Early General Secretary; emphasised united front politics
• A. K. Gopalan, E. M. S. Namboodiripad: Post-Independence parliamentary leaders
Key features:
• Marxist ideological foundation: Class struggle, anti-imperialism, and social equality
• Mass-based politics: Strong links with trade unions (AITUC) and peasant movements
• Dual strategy: Combination of extra-parliamentary movements and electoral participation
• Internationalist influence: Inspired by global Communist movements, yet adapted to Indian conditions
• Federal presence: Regional strength varies, with influence concentrated in specific States