‘Communists must be different, not just better’: MA Baby at CPM extended state committee meet

Kozhikode: “It is not enough to say that Communists are better in comparison to other parties; Communists must be different,” stressed CPM general secretary M A Baby while inaugurating the extended state committee meeting of the party in Kozhikode.

He underscored that merely outperforming rival political groups falls short of expectations, and that Communists must distinguish themselves through their words, actions and conduct towards others.

Highlighting the historic role of the Left, he noted that the Communist Party serves as a refuge for the destitute across the country and stressed that the party must address its current shortcomings to move forward. Citing leaders such as Lenin and EMS, he recalled that even towering figures acknowledged their mistakes and corrected them, emphasising the vital importance of recognising and rectifying errors.
 

Broad struggle against the Centre

“A broad platform of struggle is required against the Central government. For this platform to be effective, there must be a strong Communist Party with clarity of vision, alongside a robust Left Democratic Front in India. Kerala is uniquely positioned to make the greatest contribution toward this goal,” he observed.

Acknowledging setbacks and false perceptions

Baby said that the party must honestly acknowledge its recent setbacks. The creation of a false perception played a major role in these losses. Although tasked with identifying, exposing and defeating this false narrative, the party failed to exercise sufficient vigilance.

A specific narrative was pushed suggesting ties between the CPM and the RSS, which influenced a section of the public. When confusion arises among the people, timely and appropriate responses must be given alongside addressing other lapses, allowing the party to regain public trust and move forward, he observed.

The principle of self-correction

“Mistakes, when made, must be corrected. Leaders like Lenin and EMS acknowledged their errors and set an example of correction. When faults are identified, necessary interventions must follow, and the CPM will continue to move forward by embracing constructive feedback from the people,” Baby said.

“Comparing favourably with other parties is insufficient. Communists must stand apart through their speech, action and interpersonal behaviour, rectifying any weaknesses in a manner befitting the movement,” he added.

A tradition of accountability and rebuilding public trust

“Leaders across various levels of the party, including EMS, E K Nayanar, V S Achuthanandan and Pinarayi Vijayan, have historically subjected themselves to self-correction through internal discussions, a principle that applies to the entire organisation,” he said.

"As the movement and refuge of the nation's underprivileged, the CPM must overcome its current flaws, reclaim its former strength and influence, and focus upcoming efforts on dispelling the mistrust and doubts that have emerged among certain sections of society,” he added.