CPI(M) Clarifies Stance on 'Neo-Fascism' and Modi Government

The CPI(M) has clarified that it does not label the Modi government as 'neo-fascist,' though it acknowledges signs of 'neo-fascist characteristics.' In contrast, other Left parties have characterized the regime as fascist. The draft resolution will be presented at the upcoming party congress in Madurai.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), has released a note advising its state units on the draft political resolution for the forthcoming party congress. In a marked departure from other Left factions, the party explicitly stated that it neither views the Narendra Modi administration nor the Indian State as 'neo-fascist,' despite certain 'neo-fascist characteristics' manifesting in the administration's actions.

While the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation have both described the BJP-led government as fascist, or an embodiment of 'Indian fascism,' the CPI(M)'s stance remains distinct. The draft political resolution raises alarms over the encroaching Hindutva-corporate authoritarianism, underscoring the need to curb the BJP-RSS to avert a full-fledged neo-fascist shift.

The CPI(M) emphasizes that the terminology 'neo-fascist characteristics' indicates emerging trends rather than a full-fledged transformation. This is the first instance of the party employing the term 'neo-fascist' in any political commentary, especially in the context of the national political arena. The term aims to contrast classical European fascism, highlighting neo-fascism as a byproduct of the ongoing neo-liberal crisis, exploited by far-right factions worldwide.