Only Left, Democratic, and Secular Unity Can Defeat BJP-RSS: Karat

Seetharam Yechury Nagar (Thamukkam Ground Madurai): The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) inaugurated its 24th Congress in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, with a resolute call for a united struggle against the BJP--RSS regime. “From Madurai, let this call go out loud and clear: All Left, democratic, and secular forces should unite to push back the dark forces of reaction. Let us work together to build a ‘New India’—one that is secular, democratic, and progressive,” declared Polit Bureau Coordinator Prakash Karat. Stressing the urgency of countering what he termed the "Hindutva- corporate nexus," Karat underscored the need for a strong Left response to the Modi government’s policies. The five -day Congress, hosted in a city with a rich Communist history, began with tributes to past leaders such as P Ramamoorthi, K T K Thangamani, and N Sankariah, alongside acknowledgements of grassroots activists and martyrs like Comrade Leelavathi.

Karat stressed that the Congress’s primary objective is to adopt a political-tactical line that effectively counters the Modi government’s policies. He outlined three key questions that, he argued, define the current political landscape: Who claims to be the friend of former US President Donald Trump? Who enjoys the close patronage of industrialists like Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani? Who maintains unwavering loyalty to the RSS? “The answer to all three is Narendra Modi and the BJP,” Karat declared, criticising the Modi administration’s alignment with corporate interests and its ideological commitment to Hindutva nationalism. He warned that the government’s policies promote authoritarianism, weaken democracy, and exacerbate economic inequality.

Karat accused the BJP government of advancing neo-fascist tendencies by targeting minority communities, undermining federalism, and manipulating caste divisions. He pointed to the increasing use of draconian laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to suppress opposition leaders, including two elected Chief Ministers who have been jailed on corruption charges. Economic inequality remains a key concern for CPI M, with Karat highlighting that the top 1 per cent of India’s population now controls 40 per cent of national wealth. He called for strong resistance against the privatisation of key sectors, the implementation of anti-labour policies, and the curtailing of workers’ rights through the new labour codes. The Congress pledged support for a nationwide general strike on May 20, organised by trade unions in opposition to these policies.

Karat criticised Prime Minister Modi’s foreign policy, accusing him of subservience to the United States under Trump. He condemned the government’s failure to protect India’s economic interests and its uncritical support for Israel in the ongoing Gaza crisis. The Congress reaffirmed solidarity with Palestine and Cuba, denouncing US imperialism and advocating for a more independent foreign policy. In his closing remarks, Karat emphasised that the CPI M remains the only political force capable of challenging both Hindutva communalism and Neo -liberal capitalism.

As the Congress continues over the next few days, discussions will focus on strategies to expand CPI M’s grassroots presence and formulate policies to counter the Modi government’s governance model. Party leaders expressed optimism that a united Left front could play a decisive role in reshaping India’s political future.