Are CPI(M) Leaders Blindly Admiring China? A Critique by Congress' Cherian Philip
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Synopsis
In a scathing critique, Congress veteran Cherian Philip questions CPI(M) leaders' loyalties, accusing them of blind admiration for China as it undermines India's sovereignty. This article explores the political tensions and implications of their stances.
Key Takeaways
- CPI(M) leaders criticized for pro-China stance
- Call for reclaiming Aksai Chin
- Political implications for Congress and CPI(M)
- Historical ties with China questioned
- Potential BJP-CPI(M) collaborations anticipated
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 3 (NationPress) Veteran Congress leader Cherian Philip sharply criticized senior CPI(M) leaders on Wednesday, accusing them of being blind admirers of China as Beijing continues to infringe upon India’s sovereignty.
Philip specifically targeted CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby for his praise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent diplomatic outreach to China.
He emphasized that rather than commending PM Modi’s approach, Baby should be insisting that China return Aksai Chin, territory that was seized from India during the 1962 conflict.
Furthermore, Philip urged Baby to rectify the “incorrect stance” of CPI(M) founder E.M.S. Namboodiripad, who once stated that parts of Ladakh belonged to both India and China.
Although Baby has consistently issued critical warnings against American leaders like President Donald Trump, Philip maintained that he has not confronted Chinese President Xi Jinping with the same vigor.
Philip argued that Baby should be urging Beijing to cease its unwavering support for Pakistan in its disputes with India.
The Congress leader further accused the CPI(M) of attempting to align India closer to China at a time when global powers, including the US and China, are competing to solidify opposing economic blocs.
He claimed the party is holding onto its historical ties with China, stating that “the CPI(M) still opens umbrellas in India whenever it rains in their ancestral home, China.”
In contrast to the Congress party, which has traditionally resisted America’s unipolar dominance, Philip noted that the CPI(M) has favored the interests of communist countries like China, Russia, North Korea, Cuba, Vietnam, and Laos.
He pointed out that many of these nations have since moved away from communism in favor of authoritarian capitalism.
Philip concluded that by referencing PM Modi’s China policy, the CPI(M) is setting the stage for possible political collaborations with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in states like Kerala and West Bengal.
Interestingly, Philip was once a close aide to senior Congress leader A.K. Antony, but he diverged from the Congress party in 2001 to associate with the CPI(M).
Though he contested for an Assembly seat twice under the CPI(M) banner and faced defeats, he returned to Congress in 2021 and has since remained loyal to the party.
Point of View
Cherian Philip's critique of CPI(M) leaders highlights a significant discourse in Indian politics. It reflects the ongoing tension regarding China's influence and India's sovereignty, emphasizing the need for political parties to adopt a unified stance in addressing international challenges.
NationPress
03/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Cherian Philip accuse CPI(M) leaders of?
Cherian Philip accused CPI(M) leaders of being blind admirers of China amid its actions challenging India's sovereignty.
What did Philip suggest M.A. Baby should do?
Philip suggested that M.A. Baby should demand the return of Aksai Chin from China rather than praising PM Modi's outreach.
How does Philip view the CPI(M)'s historical ties with China?
Philip believes the CPI(M) is clinging to its historical tradition of aligning with China, despite the evolving global political landscape.
What was Philip's relationship with the Congress party?
Philip was once a close aide to A.K. Antony but left the Congress party in 2001, only to return in 2021 after a stint with CPI(M).
What implications did Philip mention regarding the CPI(M) and BJP?
Philip concluded that the CPI(M) referencing PM Modi's China policy could signal potential political understandings with the BJP in states like Kerala and West Bengal.
