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The Communist Party of India (CPI) has called on its ally, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPM, to clarify its stance after a recent internal note avoided directly labeling the Narendra Modi-led NDA government as “fascist” or “neo-fascist.” The note, circulated to CPM’s state units as part of its draft resolution for the upcoming 24th party congress, instead describes the BJP’s rule as exhibiting "neo-fascist characteristics" without outright declaring the government or the Indian state as fascist.
CPI Questions CPM’s Cautious Wording
The CPI has sharply criticized this careful phrasing, questioning why the CPM is hesitant to explicitly call the BJP-RSS regime fascist. CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam stated, “Fascist ideology teaches how religion and faith can be used for political gain, and the BJP government is implementing these in practice.”
The note issued by CPM argues that after 10 years of BJP rule, political power has become concentrated in the hands of the BJP-RSS, leading to manifestations of neo-fascist tendencies. However, it stops short of declaring the government fully fascist. Instead, it warns that Hindutva-corporate authoritarianism could evolve into full-fledged neo-fascism if not opposed.
Congress Accuses CPM of Softening Its Stand
The Congress also reacted strongly to the controversy, alleging that CPM’s reluctance to use the term "fascist" was part of a broader effort to cozy up to the BJP.
VD Satheesan, Leader of Opposition in Kerala, accused CPM of having a “secret relationship” with the BJP for years. He alleged that the party has a history of compromising with the Sangh Parivar and that its latest note was an attempt to sustain that relationship.
“CPM in Kerala has always compromised with fascism and the Sangh. The new document is an attempt to somehow hold on to power and survive,” Satheesan claimed, adding that the resolution was drafted mainly by CPM politburo members from Kerala.
CPM Defends Its Position
Amid mounting criticism, CPM central committee member AK Balan defended the party’s wording, stating that CPM has never officially declared the Modi government to be outright fascist. Speaking in Thiruvananthapuram, he emphasized that while the BJP-RSS displays dangerous authoritarian tendencies, the CPM’s political resolution is focused on mobilizing opposition against these forces, rather than debating labels.
With tensions rising among leftist allies and opposition parties, the debate over how to define the BJP’s rule continues to expose ideological rifts ahead of critical elections.
