Archive · 14 Jan 2026
Communism in India faces decline and incoherence
The communist parties in India, like CPI, CPI(M), and CPI(ML), have become much weaker over the years.
They started with big ideas and wanted to make big changes, but now they are not as strong as they used to be.
Other groups, like the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), are more influential in workers' movements.
The communists have not written much about important topics like money from other countries (FDI) or making companies private.
They also don't have big discussions like they used to.
Some people think they should learn from their history and the stories of their leaders, but they haven't done much to understand why they are weaker now.
Communist parties in India (CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML)) have declined electorally and among workers and peasantry.
The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), an RSS affiliate, is the dominant player in the trade union movement.
Communists have not produced serious literature or political theses since the 1990s.
They have focused shallowly on opposing the RSS-BJP and lack alternative views on neoliberalism, FDI, privatisation, and inequality.
The lack of intensive debate and discussion goes against their legacy of intensive debate and discussion.
- Who
- Communist parties in India (CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML))
- What
- Decline and incoherence within the communist movement
- When
- Since the 1990s, with a centenary reflection in the present
- Where
- India
- Why
- Lack of serious literature, political thesis, and alternative views on key issues; focus on RSS-BJP opposition; failure to engage with workers and peasantry
- Primary Communist Parties
- CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML)
- Dominant Trade Union
- Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS)
- Key Historical Figures
- M N Roy, M Basavapunnaiah, Piloo Mody, Minoo Masani
- Period of Decline
- Since the 1990s
- Current Focus
- RSS-BJP opposition (shallow)
- Legacy Issue
- Lack of intensive debate and discussion
- Alternative Views
- None on neoliberalism, FDI, privatisation, inequality