IN preparation for the critical 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, the CPI(M) has issued an urgent appeal for the unification of all democratic forces. Marking the 60th anniversary of its daily organ Ganashakti, CPI(M) state leadership stressed that expanding the circle of friends within and without the Leftist movement is the necessary approach to halt the "neo-fascist aggression" and to overcome the prevailing "reign of loot."

SHIELD FOR WORKING CLASS

At the commemorative programme held at Pramod Dasgupta Bhawan auditorium in Kolkata, CPI(M) State Secretary Mohammad Salim hailed Ganashakti for its unwavering commitment to the toiling masses. Despite facing immense hostility from the state apparatus, Salim noted, the publication continues to amplify the voices of the marginalised.

"At a time when extreme right-wing forces are attempting to muzzle the working class to protect a regime built on plunder, Ganashakti remains a beacon of truth," Salim stated. He expressed hope that during its Diamond Jubilee year, the paper would sharpen its ideological brilliance to counter the "dual menace" of the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).

GLOBAL AND LOCAL NEXUS

In a hard-hitting address, Salim linked the political turmoil in Bengal to a broader global pattern of imperialist intervention. He cited recent U.S. aggression in Venezuela as evidence that the Indian subcontinent is no longer safe from "terrorist conspiracies" aimed at destabilizing sovereign nations.

"The politics of 'regime change'—fuelled by religious frenzy, hatred, and state-sponsored violence—has been imported here," Salim warned. He alleged that the seeds of the current crisis in Bengal were sown years ago through a collaboration between U.S. interests and local right-wing elements. Specifically, he claimed that the RSS had once "cultivated" Mamata Banerjee as a "Durga" figure to dismantle the Left Front government, while labeling the CPI(M) as "Harmad" (mercenaries).

According to Salim, the unholy alliance of "RSS, Jamaat and their cohorts of multiple hues" has pushed West Bengal to the brink of ruin. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "selling the Aravalli mountains" and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of "selling the forests of North Bengal and the coal blocks of Deucha Pachami" to corporate interests, all while justice for victims like "Abhaya" remains elusive.

FOUR PILLARS OF RESISTANCE

Surjya Kanta Mishra, a veteran leader, outlined a clear strategy for the party's renewal, centred on four key internal areas to overcome its current difficulties:

1.     Ideological Foundation: Reaffirming core Marxist principles.

2.     Political Direction: Developing a strategy to counteract corporate-communal nexus.

3.     Organisational Structure: Systematic reconstruction of the party from the grassroots up.

4.     Mass Action: Leading broad popular movements to fight for the rights of the people.

Mishra emphasized the necessity of a broad alliance, stating, "We cannot face these problems alone. History is made by the people, but we must act within the constraints of present circumstances. Our task is to build the broadest possible platform for struggle by mobilising more people into our movement."

Left Front Chairman Biman Bose, who presided over the session, accused both the BJP and the TMC of using religion and language to fracture the unity of the working class. He questioned the state’s involvement in religious projects, asking why public funds—originally earmarked by former Urban Development Minister Gautam Deb for infrastructure—were being diverted to build temples. "The state has no religion," Bose reminded the audience, suggesting that the TMC was effectively fulfilling an agenda set by the RSS.

AGAINST THE TIDE

Ganashakti Editor Samik Lahiri reflected on the newspaper’s 60-year journey, describing it as a "march against the tide." He noted that while mainstream media has largely succumbed to corporate control, Ganashakti has refused to surrender or compromise its ideals.

The program began with a cultural showcase, featuring performances by renowned singer Arko Mukherjee and a choir of children from the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA), who sang the heart-warming songs of Salil Chowdhury.