CPI(M) flags parliamentary, mass line failures in internal review
CPI(M) has identified parliamentary aberrations, weak mass line implementation, and collective functioning issues as key concerns in its rectification campaign.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has identified three primary shortcomings to be addressed in its ongoing "rectification campaign": parliamentary aberrations, failure to implement the policy of mass line, and issues in collective functioning. Party General Secretary M.A. Baby announced this at a press conference on Sunday, following a two-day Polit Bureau meeting in New Delhi.
The campaign follows the party's defeat in the Kerala Assembly elections. Baby said the 24th Party Congress in Madurai had called for a stage-wise rectification exercise. He noted that the party must discuss how far each member is free from these identified shortcomings.
A Polit Bureau statement said discussions covered the impact of "alien class influences like parliamentarism" along with experiences in implementing the mass line policy and measures to strengthen collective functioning at all levels.
Baby did not elaborate on "parliamentary aberrations," saying it has "various dimensions." He stressed the need for better connection with people, stating, "We should be with people, learn from them and listen to them." He added that senior leadership should take time beyond formal meetings to speak with comrades during State visits.
Baby supported former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's recent remarks blaming betrayal and internal sabotage for the party's poor performance in strongholds. He said once the party decides on a candidate, all members must support that person, with disagreements raised only within party forums.
The Central Committee will meet in New Delhi from October 9 to 11 to strengthen the report after deliberations.
On upcoming elections in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, Baby said the party remains committed to defeating the BJP and its allies. Electoral strategies are yet to be finalised at the State level.
Asked about Rahul Gandhi as a possible Prime Minister, Baby said speculation is futile and the question can only be answered after the next general election. He reiterated the party's goal of removing the "fascist regime of the BJP/RSS" from power, noting the party came close in the last election and should not miss its chance now.