Kollam: The 24th State Conference of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPM] came to a grand conclusion here on Sunday, with a massive rally at the Ashramam Maidanam. The event was not just a show of strength but also a platform to reinforce the party’s policies on investment and development.

Investment without compromise
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, speaking at the closing session, made it clear that Kerala is open to investment—but only on its own terms. He dismissed criticisms that the CPM was engaging in impermissible activities and stressed the need for financial resources to drive Kerala forward.

“This is not a temporary stance but a long-term policy. We will not compromise Kerala’s interests. Only investments that safeguard the state’s welfare will be accepted. Any investment that comes with conditions detrimental to Kerala will be rejected. This conference strongly affirms that investments of all kinds should come to the state,” he said.

His words highlighted a shift in the investment climate of Kerala. “Earlier, Kerala lacked the necessary infrastructure for such investments. However, today, even the nation acknowledges the state’s progress. Even media outlets that are often critical of Kerala’s policies are now recognising its development, as seen in the recent investment summit,” Vijayan added.

A show of unity and strength
The conference was not just about policies but also about reinforcing party unity. The concluding rally saw Polit Bureau co-ordinator Prakash Karat lauding the CPM’s Kerala unit for its discipline and ability to face challenges. He noted that the party’s organisational strength, from the grassroots to the state level, remained intact.

Karat also praised the party’s role in fighting Hindutva and neo-liberal forces, while offering an alternative development model. At the same time, he criticised the Union government, calling its approach towards Kerala “totally partisan and cruel.”

As the conference wrapped up, the message was clear—Kerala will welcome development, but on its own terms, and the CPM remains united in its vision for the state’s future.