Communist Party of India (Marxist)
Marxism, Communism
President: Sitaram Yechury
Taslima Nasreen Returns to Kolkata, Sparking Political Debate Over Her Welcome
Taslima Nasreen, the exiled Bangladeshi author, is set to return to Kolkata on August 1 for a poetry recital and discussion against fundamentalism at Rabindra Sadan. She left in 2007 due to protests over her writings. The current Trinamool government welcomes her visit, while opposition claims it’s politically motivated. BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya supports her return, citing past bans on her work by the Left government. MLA Akhruzzaman argues the welcome is because she criticizes Muslims. Minister Agnimitra Paul calls her visit a matter of pride under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's leadership. Indian Secular Front MLA Naushad Siddiqui sees it as a political diversion by BJP.
DMK Rejects VCK Proposal, Accuses Congress of Betrayal Post-Elections
The DMK has rejected the VCK's proposal to include TVK in the INDIA bloc, mirroring Kerala and West Bengal alliances. The VCK suggested this model supported by the Congress to combat the BJP post-Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The DMK accused the Congress of betraying them for allying with TVK after the election, making such an alliance unlikely in Tamil Nadu's current political climate.
Accused in Baruipur minor girl’s rape and murder killed in Bengal police ‘encounter’ | Kolkata News
Prabhash Mondol, the main accused in the gangrape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in West Bengal, was killed in a police encounter late Tuesday night. Police allege that Mondol snatched a policeman’s firearm and fired at the party before being shot dead during the encounter. The incident occurred near where the victim's body was found in a pond. The encounter followed an investigation into the crime which saw four people arrested, including Mondol, Ananda Sardar, Dibakar Sardar, and Kabir Mollah. The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death and have filed an FIR against CPM’s central committee member Sujan Chakraborty and the party’s youth leader Layek Ali for their alleged involvement in the violence that followed the crime.
‘Jobless’ Opposition MLAs are finding fault in everything: TNCC president
B. Manickam Tagore, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president, criticized S. Keerthana, the Tamil Nadu Industries Minister, for interacting with children at a government school and called opposition MLAs "jobless degree holders." He also addressed comments from Thol. Thirumavalavan, founder of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, regarding the alliance arrangement between parties, stating that only Congress, VCK, and IUML are part of the current cabinet. He emphasized that the alliance will be further strengthened in future meetings and seat-sharing arrangements will be decided during elections.
TVK-Led Secular Alliance Is Confident As Allies Eye Long-Term Partnership
TVK, the newly formed secular alliance, hosted a meeting with leaders of supporting parties including Congress, VCK, IUML, and MDMK. The meeting aimed to solidify their post-poll partnership ahead of local body elections and the 2029 Lok Sabha polls. Leaders discussed forming a coordination committee, a common agenda, and a name for the alliance. Chief Minister Vijay assured allies of a corruption-free government committed to secularism and social justice. The meeting was attended by Manickam Tagore, P Chidambaram, and D Ravikumar.
Another Setback For MK Stalin's DMK, MDMK Quits Alliance After 9 Years, Keeps Vijay TVK Move Open
The MDMK has ended its nine-year alliance with the DMK, citing attempts to weaken the party and a secret plan favoring the AIADMK. The decision was made at the party's general council meeting. Despite welcoming the new government led by Chief Minister Joseph Vijay, the MDMK did not explicitly announce joining the ruling TVK-led front, though political signals have pointed in that direction.
Another Setback For MK Stalin's DMK, MDMK Quits Alliance After 9 Years, Keeps Vijay TVK Move Open
MDMK ended its nine-year alliance with the DMK, citing attempts to weaken the party and a secret plan favoring the AIADMK. The decision was made at the party's general council meeting. While welcoming the Vijay government, the MDMK did not explicitly announce joining the ruling TVK front. The move comes as a setback for the DMK but is tempered by a blow to the MDMK, which has two MLAs who boycotted the meeting after indicating they would remain with the DMK.
Madhya Pradesh Uniform Code Draft Likely Next Month, Issues Remain
The Madhya Pradesh UCC committee held a seven-hour consultation with stakeholders in Bhopal, where representatives from various political parties and organizations shared their suggestions. The committee indicated that the draft UCC is expected to be ready by the first week of July. Despite being invited, major opposition parties like Congress, BSP, SP, and AAP did not attend the meeting. Notably, Muslim religious leaders strongly criticized the proposed law, arguing it excludes tribals and should be implemented nationally after a thorough debate in Parliament. The committee member, Shatrughan Singh, stated that both the consultation report and draft UCC will be submitted to the state government by June-end or early July.
Rahul Gandhi Pinarayi Vijayan Can't Hug Remark INDIA Alliance Cracks
Rahul Gandhi refused to hug Pinarayi Vijayan, the former Kerala chief minister and a prominent leader of the CPM, at a recent meeting of the INDIA bloc. This sparked controversy within the alliance, with Vijayan criticizing Gandhi's political message and calling for clear politics instead of hugs. The CPI(M) and other opposition parties criticized Gandhi for demanding Vijayan's arrest while the BJP labeled the INDIA bloc an alliance of convenience.
Trinamool Congress: "No Trinamool Without Mamata Banerjee": Sagarika Ghose To NDTV
The Trinamool Congress is facing a severe internal crisis following resignations from senior figures and open rebellion. MP Sagarika Ghose stated that the party cannot exist without Mamata Banerjee, while criticizing the BJP for weaponizing state agencies to intimidate opposition members. Abhishek Banerjee met with Rahul Gandhi to discuss the INDIA bloc, while Sushmita Dev resigned from the Rajya Sabha and the party, expressing admiration for Himanta Biswa Sarma. Senior Trinamool figures dismissed speculation of a merger with the Congress.
Trinamool Split, Cracks In INDIA Bloc: Hardeep Puri Says Next Target Punjab
Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister, stated that the INDIA alliance is facing internal contradictions and appears to be unravelling. He cited public criticism of Mamata Banerjee by Rahul Gandhi and the resignation of Trinamool Congress MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy as evidence of this weakening. Puri believes the BJP's recent victory in West Bengal has emboldened them to contest half the seats in Punjab, where they are targeting the AAP government's fiscal irresponsibility, law and order issues, and drug crisis. He predicts that the alliance will continue to struggle, with more constituent parties drifting toward new formulations.
Trinamool Split, Cracks In INDIA Bloc: Hardeep Puri Says Next Target Punjab
Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister, stated that the INDIA alliance is unraveling due to internal contradictions and party conflicts. He highlighted the Trinamool Congress's internal revolt, exemplified by the resignation of MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, citing corruption, political killings, and atrocities against women as reasons for his exit. Puri also criticized the AAP government in Punjab for fiscal irresponsibility, worsening law and order, and a deepening drug crisis. He predicted that the INDIA alliance will "stutter along," with more constituent parties drifting toward new formulations.
Falta's 'Pushpa' Jahangir Khan Arrested By Bengal Special Task Force
Jahangir Khan, a Trinamool strongman, was arrested at the India-Nepal border after being on the radar of law enforcement for alleged threats and election fraud attempts. Khan had been previously granted interim protection by the Calcutta High Court but it was revoked following the filing of five police cases against him. He had withdrawn from the Falta constituency re-election after allegations of voting machine tampering, branding himself as "Pushpa" in reference to a Telugu action thriller character. Abhishek Banerjee, an MP and close aide of Mamata Banerjee, has been linked to Khan's activities. Khan’s arrest follows his withdrawal from the election contest shortly before the re-election.
INDIA Bloc To Meet Tomorrow
Congress announced that 23 parties will attend a strategy meeting to prepare for the upcoming monsoon session of parliament, which is expected to begin in July. MK Stalin, DMK leader, confirmed his party's absence due to alliance issues. The meeting comes amid speculation that the government might reintroduce two Constitution Amendment Bills previously failed to pass during the budget session. The CPM will also attend, while Mamata Banerjee, Akhileh Yadav, and Tejashvi Yadav are expected to be present.
Daily Briefing: Monsoon arrives in Kerala; 45 major paper leaks in 24 years, who’s accountable? | Live News
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) declared the onset of the southwest monsoon on Thursday, three days later than usual. The monsoon is expected to bring below-normal rainfall this year due to the El Niño weather pattern. Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed deepening cooperation in energy and other areas with Acting President Delcy Rodríguez of Venezuela during talks in India. The IMD has forecast below-normal rainfall this year at 90% of the long-period average, largely due to the developing El Niño weather pattern, which typically weakens monsoon rains and pushes temperatures higher. The monsoon is now expected to advance towards Goa, Maharashtra and more parts of southern India over the next few days.
"Can Send Her To Assembly": Expelled Leader's 'Offer' For Mamata Banerjee
Humayun Kabir, a former Trinamool Congress leader who formed his own party, Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP), has offered to give Mamata Banerjee an assembly seat in Murshidabad if she requests it. Kabir won two seats in the recent election and now claims he can ensure her victory from Rejinagar by resigning. Banerjee, who lost her Bhabanipur seat, must win a by-election to return to the state assembly.
How Mamata Banerjee Created Trinamool After Breaking Away From Congress
Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress is experiencing internal dissent, with a faction led by Ritobrata Bandopadhyay challenging the party's organizational structure and power dynamics. This group criticizes the current leadership, particularly Abhishek Banerjee, and seeks to create a separate political space within Bengal politics. The dissidents are focused on legislative control and ideological legitimacy, raising questions about whether they will demand formal recognition or remain a pressure group. Whether this internal conflict leads to another major split in the party remains uncertain.
Expelled Trinamool Rebel Ritabrata Banerjee Becomes Leader Of Opposition In Bengal
Speaker Rathindra Bose approved Ritabrata Banerjee, a rebel leader, as the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal's assembly. Firhad Hakim, a key aide to Mamata Banerjee, resigned as Kolkata Mayor amidst turmoil within the Trinamool Congress. The party dissolved all its committees and frontal organizations, claiming introspection is necessary. Ritabrata Banerjee asserted that he has the support of 59 of the party's 80 MLAs and claimed Mamata Banerjee is the leader of the faction. The events appear to follow a similar pattern as Maharashtra's political upheaval involving the Shiv Sena and NCP, with the Trinamool Congress alleging BJP involvement in the split.
Amid War Of Words With Revanth Reddy, Pawan Kalyan's Party's Big Move
Pawan Kalyan, chief of the Jana Sena Party, announced his party's intention to contest the upcoming Telangana assembly elections. Kalyan accused Congress leaders of separatist behavior and hypocrisy, criticizing their silence on the roles played by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and AIMIM in the Telangana movement. He also questioned a Congress leader's admiration for Pakistan and urged Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to respond to his allegations. Kalyan emphasized his long-standing support for Telangana culture and stated that Jana Sena is not opposed to the state's existence, but rather its formation process.
Kerala to Bengal, Why India’s Left Is Facing an Existential Crisis
The Communist Party of India (Marxist), once a dominant force in Indian politics, has lost significant power across several states. This decline is attributed to the party's failure to adapt to the digital age and its inability to effectively engage with voters on social media platforms like WhatsApp. The BJP, meanwhile, has successfully leveraged these platforms for communication and mobilization, capturing public attention through nationalist narratives and coordinated online campaigns. This shift in political dynamics underscores a broader trend of the Left failing to address contemporary issues such as inequality and precarity, leaving it vulnerable to criticism and losing its ability to connect with ordinary citizens.
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The Indian government is committed to a complete victory in the Kargil conflict and will not be swayed by Pakistani designs. The Home Minister, L.K. Advani, stated that India will continue its military operation until all intruders are evicted and expressed confidence in achieving this goal. Meanwhile, Vasundhara Raje, Minister of State for External Affairs, ruled out any resumption of talks with Pakistan until the Line of Control is restored. She emphasized India's commitment to peace and diplomacy while also acknowledging the need for a strong military response. The Sarb Hind SAD and BSP have formed an electoral alliance in Punjab for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The alliance aims to support each other in other states, particularly Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh.
Industry and land in Bengal | Bengal BJP chief assures new pro-industry land policy with SEZ, contract farming push
The newly elected BJP government in Bengal plans to create a comprehensive land policy, revisit the Urban Land Ceiling Act, and allow special economic zones. Samik Bhattacharya, state party president, outlined these plans during an interaction with industrialists, emphasizing the need for an investor-friendly environment. He also advocated contract farming and called for cooperation between industry and agriculture. Bhattacharya stated that removing the Urban Land Ceiling Act would be a priority, aiming to attract investment and create jobs in the state. Industry observers welcomed these signals from the new government.
CPI(M) demands immediate rollback of property tax hike in urban areas
Ch. Babu Rao, a member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), criticized the Andhra Pradesh government's property tax policies. He argued that the capital value-based system introduced in 2020, which increased taxes annually by 15%, unfairly burdens citizens and is not being addressed by the current coalition government despite previous opposition from the TDP. Rao also raised concerns about inflated property values, excessive penalties on homeowners, and the lack of proper implementation of tax benefits for low-income households.
MrBeast $2 billion earnings claim by Agent00 sparks debate as xQc questions massive $103 million monthly figure
MrBeast's YouTube earnings have sparked debate after popular Twitch streamer Agent00 claimed he could be making close to $2 billion annually. Agent00 based his estimate on YouTube revenue from MrBeast's long-form videos and shorts, as well as brand deals and other business ventures. He argued that the platform likely earns even more due to MrBeast's massive traffic. Other popular streamers like Felix Lengyel expressed skepticism but acknowledged the potential logic behind the claim.
UDF to announce candidates for all 140 Kerala Assembly seats today, says V.D. Satheesan
V.D. Satheesan, Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, announced that the United Democratic Front (UDF) would unveil its candidates for all 140 Assembly seats later on Thursday, March 19, 2026. He stated that the party had already finalized 95 names and these will be released after approval from the central election committee. Mr. Satheesan dismissed media speculation about K. Sudhakaran, MP's candidacy, and emphasized the UDF's unity in contrast to internal dissent within the CPI(M). The UDF leader also predicted a "revolt" within the CPI(M) and claimed that it would be reflected in the upcoming election.
Left MPs slam Rahul Gandhi for his ‘inappropriate remarks’ against Pinarayi government
John Brittas and P. Sandosh Kumar, two CPI-M MPs, expressed disagreement with Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks against the Kerala government during an INDIA bloc meeting. They deemed his comments "inappropriate" and argued they were detrimental to the bloc's unity. Kharge, the Congress president, attempted to mediate, suggesting a bilateral approach instead of addressing the issue publicly.
1.2 crore names may be deleted after SIR in Bengal, says Mamata
Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal Chief Minister, expressed concern over the potential deletion of voter names during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. She stated that the final rolls are expected to be published on February 28th and predicted a significant number of voters could be excluded, potentially affecting approximately 1.2 crore individuals. Banerjee has previously challenged the SIR exercise in the Supreme Court and voiced her concerns about the potential impact on voter rights.
High drama, clashes and postponements mark municipal chairman elections across Telangana
Municipal elections in the state were marred by clashes and disputes between supporters of Congress, BRS, BJP, and other parties. Congress secured 86 chairperson or mayor posts, followed by BRS with 18. The election results for 11 municipalities were postponed due to protests, lack of quorum, and allegations of political interference. T. Harish Rao, a senior MLA from BRS, accused the Congress and BJP of compromising their ideologies to block BRS from power.
Two-day workshop to discuss ‘dangers’ of labour codes begins in Mysuru
A two-day workshop organized by the Karnataka State Building and Other Construction Workers Federation in Mysuru discussed concerns over the four new labor codes implemented by the Central Government. Retired CEO of the Building Workers’ Welfare Board, Vasanth Kumar Hittanagi, expressed concern that these codes do not adequately protect agricultural workers or the unorganized sector. The workshop also saw the federation president, Balakrishna Shetty, announce plans for nationwide protests against the labor codes and participation in a February 12 strike.
CPI(M) condemns U.S. attack on Venezuela, demands India break silence
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) strongly condemned the United States for what it called an "inhuman and imperialist attack" on Venezuela, accusing the U.S. of acting to protect the interests of multinational oil corporations. CPIM state secretary V. Srinivasa Rao alleged that the U.S. was seeking to reassert its dominance over Venezuela's vast natural resources, including oil, gas, and gold reserves. He criticized the detention and transfer of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his family to the United States, questioning the U.S.'s authority to arrest a sovereign nation's leader. Srinivasa Rao also called for global condemnation of the U.S. actions and urged Indian political parties to openly condemn them.
Training held on e-auction process for liquor licences in Kalaburagi
Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum inaugurated a training program for bidders on Friday to familiarize them with the e-auction process for vacant liquor licenses in Karnataka. The Excise Department, for the first time, will be allotting these licenses through an online auction, using the MSTC Limited portal (www.mstccecommerce.com). The program was held at the MRMC SAC in Kalaburagi city and included technical experts from MSTC Ltd., who provided detailed information on the process to bidders from both Kalaburagi and Yadgir districts. The auctions for these licenses will be held on January 13th and 14th, respectively.
Explained: Why are government school teachers protesting in Tamil Nadu
Secondary Grade Seniority Teachers’ Association members in Tamil Nadu have been protesting since December 26, 2025, demanding equal pay for equal work. Over 20,000 teachers, appointed before June 1, 2009, receive a basic pay of ₹8,370 while those appointed after that date receive ₹5,200. The disparity has widened over the years with allowances linked to basic pay, leading to demands for a government order resolving this anomaly. The teachers have been protesting since 2014 and various opposition parties have voiced support. The JACTTO-GEO has announced a strike on January 6th.
