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Communist Party of India (Marxist)
The Communist Party of India (Marxist), commonly known as CPI(M), is a Marxist-Leninist political party formed in 1964 after a split in the Communist Party of India. It is one of India's recognised national parties and is a major Left political force, with its strongest organisational and electoral base historically in Kerala, West Bengal and Tripura.
Party President
Party History
- 1964Formation
The CPI(M) was formed at the Seventh Congress of the Communist Party of India in Calcutta from 31 October to 7 November 1964.
- 1967First major electoral breakthrough
The party became a major force in state politics, particularly in West Bengal and Kerala.
- 1977Left Front government in West Bengal
The CPI(M)-led Left Front came to power in West Bengal and remained in government continuously until 2011.
- 1980Kerala Left Democratic Front
The LDF emerged as the principal alliance through which CPI(M) competed for power in Kerala.
- 1993Tripura government
CPI(M)-led Left Front established a durable government in Tripura, which continued until 2018.
- 2004Peak Lok Sabha strength
The CPI(M) reached its highest Lok Sabha representation in the 2004 general election, winning 43 seats.
- 2011End of West Bengal government
The CPI(M)-led Left Front lost the West Bengal Assembly election after 34 years in office.
- 2018End of Tripura government
The CPI(M)-led Left Front lost the Tripura Assembly election.
- 2021Second consecutive Kerala term
The CPI(M)-led LDF was re-elected in Kerala.
- 2024Lok Sabha election
CPI(M) won four Lok Sabha seats.
- 202524th Party Congress
The 24th Congress was held in Madurai from 2 to 6 April 2025 and elected M. A. Baby as General Secretary.
- 2026Assembly election setback
The CPI(M)-led LDF lost the Kerala government after ten years; CPI(M) won 26 Kerala seats. The party also returned to the West Bengal legislature with one seat and won two seats in Tamil Nadu.
Top Leadership
- MAM. A. Baby
- PVPinarayi Vijayan
- MVM. V. Govindan
- MSMohd. Salim
Election Performance
(Lok Sabha)State-wise Strength
(3 states)- Kerala
- West Bengal
- Tamil Nadu
Financial Overview
No financial statements on record.
Organisational Structure
A network reaching from the national council down to booth level.
Major Policies & Agenda
The party's constitution identifies Marxism-Leninism as its guiding philosophy and aims to advance towards socialism and communism.
CPI(M) advocates protection of labour rights, trade union organisation, employment and social security.
The party advocates measures for farmers, agricultural workers, land reform and rural livelihoods.
The party supports strengthening public services and the public sector, including health, education and social welfare.
CPI(M) advocates stronger Centre-State relations and greater fiscal and administrative powers for states.
The party positions itself against communalism and advocates secularism, constitutional democracy and civil liberties.
Ideology & Vision
The CPI(M) seeks a people's democratic transformation of Indian society based on Marxism-Leninism, workers' and farmers' interests, social justice, secularism and opposition to exploitation.
Alliances
- Left Democratic Front (LDF)Current political alliance in Kerala · since 1980
- INDIANational opposition grouping · since 2023
Symbol & Colours
- Red
- White
Connect with CPI(M)
Key Highlights
Past Presidents
(5)- P. Sundarayya – present
- E. M. S. Namboodiripad – present
- Harkishan Singh Surjeet – present
- Prakash Karat – present
- Sitaram Yechury – present
All information is sourced from official and public records.