Internal Rift in Left Front Over CPM’s Political Stand
In a significant shift ahead of its April Party Congress in Kerala, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) – CPM has issued a directive to its cadres stating that BJP and Narendra Modi’s government should not be labeled as ‘fascist’ or ‘neo-fascist’. This internal directive has sparked a major debate within the Left Front, with other Left parties such as CPI and CPI(ML) Liberation openly opposing CPM’s softened stance.
CPM’s Internal Note: No ‘Fascist’ Tag for BJP Yet
Ahead of the Party Congress in Kerala, CPM has circulated a political note among its members. The note states:
📌 “BJP or Narendra Modi cannot be called fascist at this stage. Although there are characteristics of neo-fascism in their governance, the political system under Modi has not fully transformed into neo-fascism yet.”
📌 The BJP-RSS government has been warned for its actions, but the note clarifies that India’s government is not yet fully fascist.
📌 The note describes BJP as the “political front of the fascist RSS”, but stops short of branding the Indian state or Modi’s government as fascist.
This shift in stance has led to discontent within the Left camp, with CPI and Liberation strongly opposing CPM’s position.
Left Allies Oppose CPM’s Stance
🔴 CPI(ML) Liberation argues that fascism is already established under 10 years of Modi’s rule.
🔴 CPI has also expressed disapproval, stating that CPM must immediately reconsider its stance.
🔴 Congress, which has historically allied with the Left in certain states, is accusing CPM of secretly aligning with the BJP.
🔴 Kerala Congress leaders claim that CPM is preparing to forge an alliance with Modi ahead of elections.
Political Fallout: Trinamool Congress’s Allegations
The Trinamool Congress (TMC), the ruling party in West Bengal, has long accused BJP and the Left of having an undeclared alliance. CPM’s softened stance towards BJP has revived these allegations, with TMC leaders arguing that this shift in narrative is a sign of political realignment.
Is CPM Changing Its Strategy for 2026 Elections?
Many political analysts believe that CPM’s new stance indicates a shift in strategy for the upcoming 2026 Bidhan Sabha elections. While CPM continues to oppose BJP, it appears to be redefining its ideological position to mobilize broader opposition forces.
With growing rifts within the Left, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact CPM’s influence in Indian politics. Will the party revise its stance under pressure from Left allies, or is this the beginning of a new political realignment in India?