Communism In Indian Politics

A Legacy In Retreat, A Future In Question

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The communist movement in India, once a towering pillar of ideological and electoral strength, has witnessed a steady erosion over the last three decades.

Rooted in the anti-imperialist struggle and shaped by a vision of agrarian reform and social justice, its present condition reflects a movement searching for relevance in a rapidly evolving political landscape.

Founded in 1925 in Kanpur, the Communist Party of India (CPI) drew inspiration from global Marxist revolutions and expanded its influence through both parliamentary participation and more radical offshoots. In the years following Independence, the movement grew in strength, embedding itself in state governments and mass organizations. Today, however, its influence is largely confined to Kerala, with communists otherwise relegated to the margins of mainstream political life.

At its peak, especially under the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), the Left commanded mass support. West Bengal’s Left Front government—first under Jyoti Basu and later Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee—held power for an unprecedented 34 consecutive years between 1977 and 2011, setting a global record for the longest democratically elected communist regime.

The Left also governed Tripura and continues to do so in Kerala, where Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan secured a rare consecutive term in 2021.

These regimes left a significant imprint. Landmark land reforms, decentralized planning, and welfare initiatives reshaped rural life. In West Bengal, Operation Barga empowered tenant farmers, while Kerala's People’s Plan Campaign redefined participatory development. The emphasis on literacy, public health, and trade unionism resulted in Kerala attaining the highest Human Development Index in India—a testament to the enduring achievements of Left governance.