What is the full form of CPIM?

Introduction

Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM) is a political party in India that follows a Marxist-Leninist ideology and is a major political force in several states in India. The CPIM was formed in 1964 through a split from the Communist Party of India (CPI), with the faction led by E.M.S. Namboodiripad, Harkishan Singh Surjeet, and others adopting a Marxist-Leninist approach to socialism.

The CPIM advocates for a classless, stateless, and egalitarian society based on Marxist principles, and works towards the establishment of a communist state through democratic means.

History and Evolution of CPIM

CPIM has a history that dates back to the early 20th century in India with an overview given below −

Formation − The CPIM was formed in 1964 as a split from the Communist Party of India (CPI), which was the original communist party in India. The split was primarily over ideological differences, with the faction led by E.M.S. Namboodiripad, Harkishan Singh Surjeet, and others advocating for a more Marxist-Leninist approach to socialism.

Initial Years − After its formation, the CPIM focused on building a strong party structure and organising workers, peasants, and other marginalised sections of society. The party also participated in parliamentary politics and worked towards building mass movements on various issues, including land reforms, social justice, and anti- imperialism.

Emergence in States − In the subsequent years, the CPIM emerged as a major political force in certain states in India. Notably, the party gained significant support in the state of Kerala, where it has formed multiple governments and implemented progressive policies related to land reforms, education, and healthcare.

Naxalbari Uprising − In the late 1960s, a radical Maoist movement called the Naxalite movement emerged in India, advocating for armed revolution and overthrow of the state. The CPIM initially supported the Naxalite movement, but later distanced itself from it, leading to differences within the party on the question of armed struggle.

Internal Struggles and Reunification with CPI − The CPIM also witnessed internal struggles and debates on various issues, including the question of alliances with other political parties, the strategy of "united front" against the ruling party, and the role of armed struggle. In 1969, the CPIM and CPI attempted to reunify, but the effort failed due to differences on ideological and tactical grounds.

Electoral Success and State Governments − Despite internal struggles, the CPIM continued to participate in parliamentary politics and achieved electoral success in several states, including Kerala, West Bengal, and Tripura. The party formed governments in these states and implemented various policies aligned with its Marxist- Leninist ideology.

Evolution and Ideological Orientation − Over the years, the CPIM has evolved and adapted to changing political and social realities in India. It has been actively involved in organising labour and peasant movements, advocating for issues related to social justice, secularism, and anti-imperialism.

Ideology and Political Stance of CPIM

Ideology − The CPIM follows the ideology of Marxism-Leninism, which is a socio-political and economic theory developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, further developed by Vladimir Lenin. It advocates for the establishment of a classless society through the abolition of private ownership of means of production, and the redistribution of wealth and resources to achieve social and economic equality.

Political Stance −

Some of the key political stances of the CPIM include −

• Proletarian Revolution − The CPIM believes in the overthrow of the capitalist system through a proletarian revolution and the establishment of a socialist state as a transitional phase towards communism.

• Social Justice − The CPIM advocates for social justice, including the empowerment of marginalised sections of society such as workers, peasants, women, and minorities.

• Secularism − The CPIM is committed to secularism and opposes communalism, which is the use of religion for political purposes.

• Anti-Imperialism − The CPIM opposes imperialism and advocates for the sovereignty and self-determination of nations.

• Democratic Centralism − The CPIM follows the principle of democratic centralism, which means that decisions are made democratically but once a decision is made, it is binding on all members, and there is strict adherence to party discipline.

Activities and Movements of CPIM

Some of the key activities and movements of the CPIM include −

• Political Participation − The CPIM has won seats and formed governments in states like Kerala and Tripura, and has been part of coalition governments at the national level in India.

• Labour Movements − The CPIM has been actively involved in organising and mobilising labour unions to protect the rights and welfare of workers.

• Peasant Movements − The CPIM has been involved in organising and leading movements of farmers and peasants to demand land reforms, better prices for agricultural produce, and protection against eviction from land.

• Social Movements − The CPIM has supported and participated in various social movements advocating for social justice, gender equality, minority rights, and environmental issues.

• Student and Youth Movements − The CPIM has been involved in organising student and youth movements to address issues related to education, employment, social justice, and democratic rights.

• International Solidarity − The CPIM has been active in building solidarity with progressive and left-wing movements and parties across the world.

FAQs

What are the principles of CPIM?

Ans: The CPI(M) seeks to achieve social justice, secularism, and democracy in society, and strives to protect the interests of workers, peasants, labourers, and other marginalised sections of society.

What is CPIM?

Ans: CPI(M), is a major political party in India that follows Marxist-Leninist ideology. It was founded in 1964 through the merger of the Communist Party of India and the Socialist Party of India. The CPI(M) is known for its active participation in politics, trade union movements, and social movements in India.

In which states are CPIM currently active?

Ans: CPIM is active in the states of Kerala, West Bengal, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu Kashmir.