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CPI(M)

About CPI(M)

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What is CPI(M)?

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI (M) is a communist political party in India. The party was formed from a division at the Seventh Congress of the Communist Party of India (CPI), founded in 1920, held in Calcutta from October 31 to November 7 in 1964.
 
CPI (M) is one of the national parties and in terms of membership and electoral seats, it is the largest communist party in the country. As of 2023, the political outfit is a part of ruling alliances in three states — Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala, Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, and Secular Progressive Alliance in Tamil Nadu.

The Central Committee is the highest decision-making body of CPI (M).
 
CPI (M) has representation in the legislative assemblies in the states of Kerala, Tripura, Bihar, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Assam. CPI (M) was formed from a split in the Communist Party of India (CPI) on November 7, 1964.
 
The communist party has been a lynchpin for people's movements on issues of farmers, tribals, Dalits, workers and minorities.
 
Aim
 
"The CPI (M)'s aim is communism and socialism through the establishment of the state dictatorship of the proletariat. In all its activities, the party is guided by the philosophy and principles of Marxism-Leninism which shows to the toiling masses the correct way to the ending of exploitation of man by man, their complete emancipation. The party keeps high the banner of proletarian internationalism", according to the party's official website.
 
CPI (M) flag
 
The flag of CPI (M) is seen as a red flag and there is a crossed hammer in the centre and a sickle in white.

Latest Updates on CPI(M)

Bihar's Left faces fractured base as BJP strengthens political hold

CPI(ML)L faces fractured support while challenging the BJP's growing dominance

Updated On: 05 Nov 2025 | 10:39 PM IST

CPI(M) releases manifesto for Bihar polls, slams NDA over governance record

Senior CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat also expressed bewilderment over Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma calling Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi 'an agent of Pakistan'

Updated On: 01 Nov 2025 | 5:35 PM IST

Cabinet sub-committee on PM SHRI meant to deceive CPI, says Satheesan

Satheesan was referring to the CPI(M)-led Left government's decision a day ago to put on hold the implementation of the PM SHRI scheme after facing stiff resistance from its ally, CPI

Updated On: 30 Oct 2025 | 1:31 PM IST

Bengal has become safe haven for criminals, not safe for women: CPI(M)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday said that female boarders, especially those from outside the state, should follow hostel rules and not venture out late at night

Updated On: 12 Oct 2025 | 4:52 PM IST

Congress files complaint against CPI(M) leader over disparaging remark

The complaint was filed by Alathur Block Congress General Secretary Pramod to the Palakkad District Police Chief via email on Thursday night

Updated On: 26 Sep 2025 | 10:44 AM IST

Left parties call bills to remove PM, CMs over criminal charges 'draconian'

CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya said the bills will sound the death knell for federalism

Updated On: 20 Aug 2025 | 2:13 PM IST

PM dishonoured memory of martyrs by praising RSS in I-Day speech: CPI(M)

Prime Minister Modi on Friday hailed 100 years of RSS as a very proud and glorious journey of the world's biggest NGO

Updated On: 15 Aug 2025 | 2:19 PM IST

Former Kerala CM, CPI-M leader V S Achuthanandan died at the age of 101

Communist Party of India (Marxist)'s official X handle confirmed Achuthanandan's demise

Updated On: 21 Jul 2025 | 5:44 PM IST

Bihar elections 2025: What's at stake, who's competing, and why it counts

Caste equations, shifting alliances, and regional power bases will define Bihar's high-stakes 2025 election as major parties and smaller players vie for control of the 243-seat Assembly

Updated On: 15 Jul 2025 | 5:37 PM IST

Protests in Bihar against special intensive revision of electoral rolls

The INDIA bloc is supporting the nationwide 'chakka jam' protest, but in Bihar the opposition coalition chooses to highlight its reservations against the SIR

Updated On: 09 Jul 2025 | 3:12 PM IST

The SITA factor: Yechury's essays defend socialism as real choice

This posthumous volume distils Sitaram Yechury's lifelong case for socialism as a path to dignity and justice

Updated On: 07 May 2025 | 11:45 PM IST

The past and the present of new CPI(M) General Secretary M A Baby

Ensuring that the CPI(M) remains the largest Hindu party in Kerala - leaving little space for the BJP - is Mr Baby's central priority

Updated On: 11 Apr 2025 | 10:35 PM IST

Veteran Kerala leader Marian Alexander Baby elected CPI(M) party chief

Baby's election to the top post of the party, and the rejigged 18-member Polit Bureau-its highest decision-making body-where eight new members were inducted

Updated On: 06 Apr 2025 | 11:36 PM IST

MA Baby elected CPI(M) general secretary; second Keralite to hold post

MA Baby's long-standing experience in the party and his deep organisational roots ultimately won him the top post

Updated On: 06 Apr 2025 | 4:40 PM IST

CPI(M) calls for 'ceasefire'; ready for peace talks, says Chhattisgarh govt

The central and state governments have intensified counter-insurgency operations, particularly in Chhattisgarh, and more than 400 Maoists have been killed in the last 15 months

Updated On: 02 Apr 2025 | 9:14 PM IST

Only Left has conviction to counter Hindutva neo-fascism: Prakash Karat

Claiming that the Modi govt represents the 'Hindutva-corporate nexus that is closely allied to US imperialism', Karat said that in its third term, the govt is displaying 'neo-fascist character'

Updated On: 02 Apr 2025 | 2:46 PM IST

What is the controversy over film 'Empuraan' for which Mohanlal apologised?

Empuraan, second part of the 'Lucifer' franchise, has become a topic of hot debate over its critique of right-wing politics and the covert mention of the 2002 Gujarat riots

Updated On: 30 Mar 2025 | 2:22 PM IST

Communists may enter 21st century, but only in 22nd: Tharoor mocks LDF

His remarks followed Kerala Assembly's passage of the Kerala State Private Universities Bill, 2025, marking a shift from the CPI(M)-led government's traditional opposition to education privatisation

Updated On: 26 Mar 2025 | 11:36 AM IST

CPI raises bank unions' demand of 5-day working in Rajya Sabha

Stressing that bank employees, especially in public sector banks, are facing a lot of problems, he said the strike is going to affect the banking sector

Updated On: 18 Mar 2025 | 6:25 PM IST

CPI(M) aiming to recover WB base, unite Left forces against TMC, BJP: Karat

He added that no discussions had been held on whether the Left Front and the Congress would contest the assembly polls, due in 2026, in an alliance

Updated On: 15 Mar 2025 | 5:36 PM IST