CPI(M) Kicks Off 24th Party Congress in Madurai, Flag Hoisted by Veteran Leader Biman Bose

Synopsis

The CPI(M) has launched its 24th Party Congress in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, with the flag hoisting by veteran leader Biman Bose. The event, showcasing a rich history and vibrant celebrations, will feature key speakers and significant leadership changes until April 6.

Key Takeaways

24th Party Congress is taking place in Madurai.
Flag hoisted by Biman Bose at Tamukkam Ground.
Keynote speakers include Pinarayi Vijayan and M.K. Stalin.
Real-time translation system introduced for delegates.
Leadership changes anticipated with new General Secretary elections.

Chennai, April 2 (NationPress) The 24th Party Congress of the CPI(M) officially kicked off on Wednesday in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, with prominent leader Biman Bose raising the party flag at the renowned Tamukkam Ground. The city has undergone a vibrant transformation, adorned with red flags and festive decorations, showcasing the jubilant spirit of the CPI(M) members. Madurai holds a significant position in the party's legacy, having previously hosted the 3rd Congress of the united Communist Party of India in 1953 and the 9th Congress of the CPI(M) in 1972.

With the current session, Madurai stands out as the only city in India to host the CPI(M) Party Congress on three occasions. The formal inauguration of the Congress will be spearheaded by CPI(M) Politburo Coordinator Prakash Karat, while former Tripura Chief Minister and Politburo member Manik Sarkar will chair the session.

Prominent leaders from allied left factions, including CPI General Secretary D. Raja, CPI(ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, RSP General Secretary Manoj Bhattacharya, and Forward Bloc General Secretary G. Devarajan, will also address the party's elected representatives.

A key feature of the Congress will be a seminar titled “Federalism is India’s Strength”, co-hosted on Wednesday by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

The Party Congress will run until April 6th and will witness pivotal leadership transformations.

Seven Politburo members, including Prakash Karat, Brinda Karat, Subhashini Ali, B.V. Raghavulu, Manik Sarkar, and G. Ramakrishnan, will retire due to the party’s age limit of 75. Notably, Pinarayi Vijayan, aged 79, will remain in the Politburo after receiving an exemption, similar to the previous Congress.

A new General Secretary will be chosen during this session. Inside sources from the CPI(M) suggest that senior leader M.A. Baby from Kerala and Ashok Dhawale from Maharashtra are the leading candidates for the position.

The Congress is witnessing participation from 881 delegates, including 80 observers, with Kerala contributing the largest contingent of 175 members. Enhancing the cultural aspect of the event, special guests include actors Vijay Sethupathi, Samuthirakani, Prakash Raj, and renowned filmmakers Vetrimaran and Mari Selvaraj.

Artists from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana will also perform during the Congress.

In a historic first, a real-time translation system has been introduced to facilitate communication among delegates from diverse states. Essential reports, including the credential report, will be presented digitally, and delegates are encouraged to bring Android devices for seamless access.

In Tamil Nadu, the CPI(M) has two Members of Parliament and two Members of the Legislative Assembly operating in alliance with the ruling DMK.