Question by Shinos of IOForum

What is the ideological difference between CPI and CPM? or isn’t there any difference?

The Split of CPI, CPM

• CPI=Communist Party of India, CPM =Communist Party of India (Marxist)
• Official reason: After the Sino-India war of 1962, The Pro-Chinese members of CPI, walked out to form their own party CPI (Marxist) due to the ideological differences with the parent organization.
• In terms of Seats won in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and State assembly elections, CPM is stronger party than CPI.

Other Differences

CPI (Marxist and Leninist)

• Formed in 1969
• Leaders: Kanu Sanyal, Charu-Majmudaar.
• Responsible for the Naxalite movement of 70s.
• Later after splits and mergers among different groups: it became PWG (People’s War group).

CPI (Maoist)

• Founded in 2004, After merger of PWG with MCC (Maoist Communist Centre of India)
• Leader: Muppala Lakshmana Rao (Ganapati)
• It aims to overthrow Government of India via violent means.
• It is a banned organization under Unlawful activities prevention act.

Situation in Kerala

LDF (Left Democratic Front)

• It is the coalition of CPI, CPM and other leftist parties in Kerala. (Just like UPA at Centre).
• VS Achyutanand was their leader and CM.

UDF (United Democratic Front)

• Coalition of Congress, Indian Union muslim league et al
• It defeated LDF in 2011 Kerala State assembly elections, and Oman Chandy of Congress became the new CM of Kerala.