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Communist Party of India (Marxist) at Crossroads: The Battle for Survival

Kalyani Jha
27 Mar, 2024

In a stark warning that reverberated through political circles, AK Balan, a central committee member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], cautioned that the party's iconic Hammer, Sickle, and Star symbol could be at risk if the party falters in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. Addressing concerns at the Kerala State Financial Enterprises Officers Union (KSFEOU) leadership workshop in Kozhikode, Balan emphasized the urgent need for the party to secure its electoral footing.

The Stakes: Symbol, Status, and Survival

Balan's dire warning centered on the potential repercussions of electoral underperformance. He highlighted that failing to achieve a significant vote share and parliamentary seats could jeopardize the CPI(M)'s national party status. This, in turn, would entail relinquishing the iconic symbol synonymous with the party's identity, with the Election Commission potentially assigning alternative symbols.

The Criteria for National Party Status

The criteria for a political party to be recognized as a national party underscore the formidable challenge facing the CPI(M). Notably, the party must demonstrate significant electoral strength across multiple states, a benchmark that the CPI(M) must meet to safeguard its status and symbol.

Evaluating CPI(M)'s Electoral Landscape

A critical analysis of the CPI(M)'s recent electoral performance reveals a mixed picture. While the party commands substantial influence in Kerala, as evidenced by its representation in the state assembly, its presence in other states has waned over the years. The CPI(M)'s diminishing representation in the Lok Sabha, coupled with challenges in pivotal states like West Bengal, underscores the urgency of Balan's warning.

Strategic Imperatives and Electoral Challenges

The CPI(M) faces formidable electoral challenges, necessitating strategic recalibration and concerted efforts to galvanize support. Balan's call to action serves as a rallying cry for party supporters to redouble their efforts, emphasizing the critical juncture at which the CPI(M) finds itself in the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.

The Road Ahead: Uncertainties and Opportunities

As the CPI(M) navigates this critical juncture, the road ahead is fraught with uncertainties and opportunities. The party's ability to rally support, expand its electoral footprint, and reclaim lost ground in key battleground states will determine its fate and the preservation of its iconic symbol, emblematic of its socialist ideals and political legacy.