Brief Context
In News The Communist Party of India completed 100 years, marking a significant chapter in India’s history. European Background of Communism Europe was divided between monarchists (Right) and republicans (Left), giving rise to the Right–Left political binary after the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. Industrial capitalism created wealth but also deep social inequalities.
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Syllabus: GS1/History
In News
- The Communist Party of India completed 100 years, marking a significant chapter in India’s history.
European Background of Communism
- Europe was divided between monarchists (Right) and republicans (Left), giving rise to the Right–Left political binary after the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.
- Industrial capitalism created wealth but also deep social inequalities.
- Karl Marx and Communist Ideology: Karl Marx envisioned a transition from capitalism to socialism due to capitalism’s internal contradictions.
- He expected socialist revolutions to begin in advanced capitalist countries of Western Europe.
Russian Revolution and Global Impact
- Contrary to Marx’s expectation, the first successful socialist revolution occurred in Russia in 1917.
- The Bolshevik Revolution opposed monarchy, capitalism, and imperialism.
- It inspired anti-imperialist movements and Communist parties across non-European, colonised countries, including India.
Impact on Indian Communism
- The Indian Communist movement drew strong inspiration from the Russian Revolution and Lenin.
- Three Political Strands Leading to CPI Formation
- Diasporic Revolutionaries Led by M. N. Roy and others active in the US, Mexico, Europe, USSR, Kabul and Berlin; connected to the Communist International (Comintern).
- Indian Left Groups: Local Communist groups in Lahore, Bombay, Calcutta and Madras, seeking coordination within India.
- Growth of labour organisations, especially the formation of the All-India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) in 1920.
Tashkent Meeting (1920)
- Indian revolutionaries, with Comintern approval, formed a Communist Party in Tashkent.
- It is aimed at overthrowing British imperialism and establishing socialism.
- It lacked links with Indian-based revolutionary groups and mass support inside India.
Kanpur Conference (1925)
- Indian Communist groups held a national conference in Kanpur and resolved to formally establish the Communist Party of India (CPI).
- It declared goals of ending British rule and creating a workers’ and peasants’ republic.
- It occurred in a politically symbolic location due to labour presence and earlier Bolshevik conspiracy cases.
Debate on CPI’s Foundation
- CPI (Marxist) recognises Tashkent (1920) as the founding moment due to Comintern approval.
- CPI considers Kanpur (1925) as the true foundation, emphasising Indian initiative and mass politics.
- Tashkent represents the “Communist” aspect; Kanpur represents the “Indian” aspect of Indian Communism.
Role in Anti-Imperialist Struggle
- Communists actively participated in India’s freedom struggle, except during 1942–45 when anti-fascist war efforts took priority.
- They faced repression through conspiracy cases, bans and imprisonment.
Relations with the Congress
- Communists debated whether to transform the Congress from within or build an independent political alternative.
- This dilemma persisted throughout the freedom movement.
- Mass Movements and United Fronts Led workers’ and peasants’ struggles and formed Workers’ and Peasants’ Parties.
- It allied with the Congress Socialist Party in the 1930s, though the alliance collapsed by 1939.
Post-1945 and Peasant Struggles
- It led major peasant movements like Tebhaga (Bengal) and Telangana (Hyderabad).
- It supported popular resistance against colonial rule.
- Communist movement split between armed revolutionary paths and parliamentary democracy.
- It achieved electoral success in states like Kerala, West Bengal and Tripura.
Criticism and Continuing Relevance
- Communism has faced criticism for authoritarianism, corruption and declining relevance.
- Despite limitations, it continues to stand for the disadvantaged in a world marked by deep global inequalities.
Source :IE