Previously the CPI (M) believed in acting local. But its dismal defeat in West Bengal and Kerala has changed its outlook. It has decided to act global. The party leaders appear undaunted by defeat. Their future plans have already been chalked out. Sitaram Yechuri who drafted the new thesis referred to Left Wing coalitions including Communist parties in Latin American countries. An alternative to imperialist globalisation and neo-liberalism within capitalism has emerged, the thesis says. Lessons have to be drawn from Latin America, Vietnam and even North Korea to achieve socialism. Prakash Karat has looked beyond India to assess the Indian gloom. But he is confident that his comrades will soon be back on the scene. Opposition to casteism, communalism, gender inequality, tribal and regional exploitation coupled with struggle against Delhi’s neo-liberal economic policies will drive them along.
One must hand it to Karat & Co. for their resilience. In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is flaying at the Marxists for their perfidy. Karat however tries to draw people’s attention to Das Kapital in everyday life instead of posing counterpoints to Mamata’s critique. The reference to North Korea is enigmatic. Is it a tribute to dynastic rule? The party appears to have already accepted it and insists on monolithic allegiance of the rank and file. One waits for Karat’s elaboration of the party line. And for its view on the role of religion in Communism!
