The Communist Party of India (CPI):
In the early 1920s, communist groups emerged in different parts of India, inspired by the Bolshevik revolution in Russia and advocating socialism as a solution.
The CPI was formed on 26 December 1925 at the First Party Conference in Cawnpore (Kanpur).
Initially, the Indian communist movement aimed to end British rule in India.
From 1935, the Communists primarily worked within the Indian National Congress.
A split occurred in December 1941 when the Communists decided to support the British in their war against Nazi Germany.
The party questioned the nature of Indian independence, leading to violent uprisings in Telangana.
In 1951, the CPI abandoned the path of violent revolution and participated in the general elections, winning 16 seats and becoming the largest opposition party.
The CPI had concentrated support in Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, and Kerala.
A. K. Gopalan, E.M.S. Namboodiripad, S.A. Dange, P.C. Joshi, Ajay Ghosh, etc. were important communist leaders.
The CPI had a major split in 1964 due to ideological differences between the Soviet Union & China.
The pro-Soviet faction remained as the CPI, while the opponents formed the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)). Both parties continue to exist today. |
