Archive · 29 Sep 2025
CPI's Rise and Fall in Punjab: A Century of Politics
The Communist Party of India (CPI) has been around for 100 years, with its Punjab branch starting earlier.
The party gained strength from various Sikh movements like the Gurdwara Reform and Babbar Akali movements.
Early leaders went to the Soviet Union to learn about Marxism.
They formed groups like the Kirti Kisan Party and Punjab Kisan Sabha to support peasants.
The party grew, even entering the Punjab Assembly.
However, it faced a decline due to the Khalistan movement in the 1980s.
Although the CPI had approval on the idea of Pakistan, this movement greatly hurt the party and its leaders.
The CPI's Punjab unit's origins predate the party's founding in 1925.
Sikh movements, including the Babbar Akali, influenced the rise of the CPI in Punjab.
Leaders went to Russia to learn about Marxism and Leninism, returning to organize communist activities.
The Kirti Kisan Party and the Punjab Kisan Sabha were formed to support peasants.
The Khalistan movement led to the decline of the Communist Party in Punjab.
- Who
- The Communist Party of India (CPI)
- What
- Celebrated its 100th year, while its Punjab unit's history was influenced by Sikh movements.
- When
- The CPI was founded in 1925
- Where
- Punjab, India
- Why
- The rise and fall of the CPI in Punjab was significantly impacted by Sikh movements.
- Party's Founding
- 1925 (CPI)
- Kirti Kisan Party
- Founded in September 1928
- Punjab Kisan Sabha
- Founded in 1937
- CPI Ban Lifted
- July 1942
- Kirti Party Merger
- 1943 with CPI