Communist party of Britain condemns raids on Pinarayi Vijayan as political repression in India

The Communist Party of Britain has issued a statement condemning what it describes as politically motivated raids by government agencies on the Thiruvananthapuram residence of Pinarayi Vijayan, the former Chief Minister of Kerala (until May 2026) and current Leader of the Opposition.

The British communists also criticised the arrest of several leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), who had reportedly taken part in demonstrations outside the Delhi headquarters of the Enforcement Directorate in support of Mr Vijayan.

According to the statement, the use of “lawfare” and police action by right-wing and conservative governments against progressive political movements has become an international pattern, citing examples ranging from the Czech Republic to Jordan, Kenya, and now India, described as the world’s largest democracy.

The Communist Party of Britain expressed full solidarity with India’s communist movement and its sister organisation, the CPM, stating that it supports their efforts to resist what it characterises as repressive and undemocratic measures by politicised state agencies targeting freedoms of association, expression, and political organisation.

The statement further referenced the historical role of India’s communists in the independence struggle against British rule, noting the sacrifices made during that period of anti-colonial resistance. It added that CPM continues to stand with workers and farmers in opposition to policies attributed to the current central government.

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Concluding its remarks, the party said the struggle to expand political space for the working class would be prolonged, but insisted that the “line of march” of Indian communists remains unbroken.