REVIVAL OF COMMUNIST PARTY IN INDIA

Karl Marx and Frederick Engels introduced Communist Manifesto to the world in 1848. The prime intention behind this was to replace the destructive capitalism by socialism and then to communism. This theory, however could not get worldwide acceptance. Until now countries which have agreed with communism and tried are: the former Soviet Union, Afghanistan, Combodia, Mongolia and Yemen in Asia. Soviet controlled eastern bloc countries like, Bulgaria, East Germany, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia , Poland and Romania. The Balkan countries like Albania, Bosnia, Slovania, Macedonia, Croatia and three more. African countries like Angola, Ethiopia, Somalia and four more.

Aabout 175 years after the presentation of the manifesto, only China, Cuba, North Korea,. Vietnam and Laos are said to be left with communist ruling. China has already left communism and wedded to capitalism. Stock market is well established in China. Shanghai Stock Exchange and Shenzhen Stock Exchange are the prime Stock Exchanges in China. 70% of the Chinese GDP is contributed by private entrepreneurships. Capitalist economy is the prevailing form of former Communist  China.    Communism is confined to  the colour of flag only in China. According to Harun's 2022 Global Rich List China has 1,133 and US 716 billioners. These two countries together have 55% of the total billionaires in the world. In spite of this Communists in India prefer to call China a communist country. China would be an economic model for Indian Communist Party because until they adopted to the existing economic system they could not have even imagined of becoming the second largest economy of the world.  In the case of Cuba, the country is ruled by the 1st Secretary of the Communist party Miguel Diaz-canel. Cuba has resumed diplomatic relationship with USA.  Considerable investment has come to Cuba from US and many Americans are now settled in Cuba. In the case of North Korea the country is ruled by dictatorship as approved by the constitution. Kim Jong-Un is the current ruler of the country. Vietnam is a communist ruled country. Freedom of speech, assembly of people, independent media, religion etc are under restrictions in Vietnam. Laos is also a communist ruled country. Lao People's Revolutionary Party is the ruling party. With several restrictions, freedom of people under check in this country.

Coming back to India we must know that Communist party came here in 1925. The environment of the country was most fitting for growth of Communism here. The people were suffering from slavery. Poverty was all around. Literacy rate was below 12%.  No any political competition was prevalent then. Unfortunately even in a period of about 100 years the party could make their colour felt only in three states; Kerala, West Bengal and Tripura. At present only Kerala is with them. The party should not forget the fact that despite the people of West Bengal giving opportunity for the communists to form the governments consecutively over three decades,  the party could not give anything in return to the state. Consequent upon the communist rule for such a long period people are forced to move out to other states for their livelihood. GDP pci ranking (2021) of the state is at a pathetic level of 21st among all states. Literacy ranking (2011 census) is at a poor 20th spot. Unemployment rate (2021-22) is 6.26%,  In Infrastructure development Bengal ranks 14 out of 15 states surveyed. Over 58,000 industries were closed in different times by agitating workers. During left parties regime or with their influence most of these industries are said to be closed.

It is high time that the party should try to find the reasons for the rejection of this socioeconomic theory by most of the people of the country. Communist party in India, if want to make them acceptable to the majority of the population,  should first compromise with the people of the country. India is one of the oldest civilization of the world. The culture here is well established and deep rooted. No socioeconomic theory can penetrate into it. In turn the party should change themselves to suit the people. The chunk of the Indian population are spiritualists. The party should take out the atheist thinking from their manifesto. Let the people, including the party functionaries worship their gods at the appropriate places in their prescribed manner. This is not something that is to influence adversely. All said and done, most of the Indians are peace loving people. They cannot tolerate muzzle power  exhibition, violence and killings. When these are remaining the trade mark of the party, people will run away from them. All sorts of violence and killings should be strictly checked. Of late the trend of corruption have crept into the party. This is a dangerous thing that keeps the people away from the party. Hence every functionaries should keep themselves away from even petty allegations of corruption. It is suggested, therefore, to frame a new code of conduct for the party to suit the Indian culture and the prevailing Indian conditions. All priorities should be focused on the people of the country; their safety, security, comfort and all round upliftment.

If the party leadership can take a decision to recast the party according to the Indian needs, Communist party can establish itself in the minds of the people of India. It must be the ideal time for the party to revive and establish in this great land. In the history of independent India, we never had such a wide gap for a new party to enter into the centre stage of Indian politics. If the communist party can shape itself to fill this gap they may do it with a firm commitment to develop this great country to the top of the world, it is repeated , top of the world.

K V George