The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Union government, accusing it of pushing India into economic distress and democratic backsliding. At its Central Committee meeting held from September 13 to 15 in New Delhi, the party said the country was facing rising prices, stagnant wages, widening inequalities, and mounting unemployment, now aggravated by US-imposed tariffs on Indian goods.
The CPI(M) described the July 9 General Strike by workers, farmers, and agricultural labourers as a “resounding success,” claiming it signalled growing discontent with what it termed the Centre’s “anti-people” policies. The party announced it would intensify support for mass struggles across the country, targeting economic measures and governance decisions that, it said, threaten both livelihoods and democratic rights.
A key concern raised was the impact of US tariffs. The party denounced what it called Donald Trump’s “tariff terrorism,” pointing to a 50 per cent tariff on Indian exports, 25 per cent linked to the absence of a trade deal and another 25 per cent imposed after India’s purchase of oil and gas from Russia. It warned of serious consequences for agriculture, fisheries, textiles, and micro, small and medium enterprises, urging the government not to concede to external pressure.
The CPI(M) also criticised the government’s eagerness to sign Free and Bilateral Trade Agreements without consulting stakeholders. It argued that such pacts risked harming sectors including dairy, agriculture, defence, pharmaceuticals, and finance. At the same time, it accused the government of favouring private corporations with incentives worth ₹1.5 lakh crore while sidelining public sector enterprises, even in critical areas like telecom.
On domestic policy, the party alleged that labour and environmental protections were being diluted. Recent steps by NITI Aayog to ease compliance norms, it said, weakened safeguards for workers and the environment. While welcoming the reduction in GST rates on essential goods, CPI(M) stressed that benefits must actually reach consumers and states must be compensated for lost revenue.
Concerns about democratic rights formed another major strand of the statement. The party accused the Election Commission of undermining voting rights through its revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, warning that the exercise could extend nationwide. It vowed to join hands with other opposition parties to resist such moves. It also criticised the Maharashtra Public Security Bill for allegedly criminalising dissent and opposed new central bills that allow the removal of elected representatives after 30 days in custody, describing them as anti-democratic.
On Jammu and Kashmir, the CPI(M) said statehood must be restored immediately, and warned against targeted attacks and deportations of Bengali-speaking people under “Operation Sindoor” in BJP-ruled states. It alleged that recent mass evictions in Assam were driven by corporate interests and communal polarisation.
The statement further condemned comments by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on the Mathura and Kashi mosque disputes, accusing him of fuelling tensions. It also highlighted rising violence against women, Dalits, and Adivasis, expressing solidarity with victims of recent incidents in West Bengal and Karnataka.
Parliamentary conduct also drew criticism. The CPI(M) said the Monsoon Session saw important bills passed without debate, including the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill and a new Sports Bill. It claimed this undermined federal principles and risked clearing tribal land for corporate use. The party urged the Congress to ensure livelihood issues receive space in parliamentary debates.
On foreign policy, the CPI(M) expressed concern over unrest in Nepal following police firing on protesters and warned against pro-monarchy forces backed by Hindutva-linked groups. It condemned Israel’s bombardment of Gaza and violence in the West Bank, accusing it of starving civilians, bombing hospitals, and even targeting Qatar during ceasefire negotiations.
Looking ahead, the CPI(M) announced nationwide campaigns later this month against US tariff measures, Palestine solidarity meetings in all state capitals, and fresh agitations on livelihood issues through its state units. The party said these actions would reflect growing resistance to what it sees as economic injustice and democratic erosion under the present government
