CPIM State secretary Jitendra Chaudhury on October 17 called for renewed efforts to protect secular, democratic and federal principles of India and highlighted role of communists in country’s freedom struggle.
Key Takeaways:
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CPIM State secretary Jitendra Chaudhury addressed a Foundation Day programme at the party’s state headquarters in Agartala on October 17.
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Chaudhury recalled the role of communists in freedom struggle and called for protecting secularism, democracy, pluralism and federalism in India.
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He accused the BJP-led government in Tripura of using sections of former insurgents for electoral gains and blamed Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha for disruptions to public life.
The Communist Party of India (CPI) marked its 107th Foundation Day at its state headquarters in Agartala on October 17. The programme began with the hoisting of the party flag at 10 am. CPIM State secretary Jitendra Chaudhury addressed party members and workers, recalling the communist movement’s role in India’s freedom struggle and calling for the protection of constitutional values.
Chaudhury used the occasion to criticise the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Tripura. He alleged that the ruling establishment was weakening India’s secular, democratic and federal structure.
He also raised concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the alleged involvement of sections of former insurgents in political activities ahead of elections.
Role of Communists in India’s Freedom Struggle
Recalling the history of the communist movement, Chaudhury said communists stood alongside other political forces during India’s struggle for independence from British rule.
He alleged that the British administration closely monitored communist activities and sought to prevent the movement from establishing a nationwide organisation across undivided India.
According to Chaudhury, Indian revolutionaries and intellectuals travelled to Tashkent, then part of the Soviet Union, to establish the Communist Party of India while avoiding British surveillance.
He referred to M.N. Roy, S.A. Dange, Shaukat Usmani and Muzaffar Ahmed among the early communist leaders associated with the party’s formation.
Chaudhury said the Foundation Day carried historical significance for the communist movement. He also referred to the separate existence of the Marxist faction since 1964, following the split in the communist movement.
The programme provided an opportunity for party members to hoist the flag and renew their commitment to the party’s principles, he said.
Chaudhury Calls for Protection of Constitutional Values
Chaudhury recalled the sacrifices of communist activists and revolutionaries during the freedom struggle. He said thousands had given their lives for India’s independence.
He also referred to the Peshawar, Meerut and Kanpur conspiracy cases, which the British authorities used against communist leaders and activists. Drawing a comparison with the present political situation, he alleged that similar efforts were underway to weaken the communist movement.
Chaudhury asserted that such attempts would not succeed.
He said the Foundation Day pledge should go beyond ceremonial flag hoisting and slogans. The party must continue working to defend India’s independence and the constitutional framework established after independence, he added.
Emphasising secularism, democracy, pluralism and federalism, Chaudhury accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of undermining these principles.
He also criticised the proposed Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Chaudhury alleged that the Election Commission was being used to help the ruling establishment retain power.
He said the party’s commitment to constitutional principles required continued political action rather than symbolic observances alone.
SIR Raises Concerns Over Electoral Process
Chaudhury’s criticism of the proposed SIR formed part of his wider concerns about the country’s democratic institutions.
He alleged that the exercise was intended to help the ruling establishment remain in power. He linked his criticism to what he described as efforts to weaken the constitutional safeguards that underpin India’s democratic and federal system.
The CPIM leader reiterated that the party would continue to oppose moves it considered harmful to secularism, pluralism and democratic rights.
Chaudhury Accuses BJP of Using Former Insurgents
Turning to Tripura’s political situation, Chaudhury alleged that sections of former insurgents became active during election periods and disrupted public life.
He clarified that not all former insurgents who had returned to normal life were involved in such activities. Some had entered politics, while others had resumed family life and agricultural work, he said.
However, he alleged that a section became active around elections and engaged in activities that inconvenienced ordinary people.
Chaudhury claimed that the BJP used certain former insurgents to secure electoral advantages.
He also alleged that financial packages and bonuses announced during festive and election periods could be connected to efforts to mobilise these groups.
He directly blamed Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha and his government for the situation. According to Chaudhury, the government’s vested interests had encouraged some youths to repeatedly disrupt public life.
Appeal to Avoid Public Disruption
Chaudhury referred to road blockades and other disruptions that, he claimed, caused hardship to residents. He condemned such activities and urged those involved to refrain from actions that affected ordinary people.
He warned that continued disruption could provoke public resentment. He said those who had returned to normal life should avoid activities that inconvenienced the public.
Concluding his remarks, Chaudhury reiterated that the Foundation Day observance should renew the party’s commitment to defending democratic rights, constitutional values and public welfare.
