CPI(M) declines to label Modi Government as 'neo-fascist,' diverges from other left parties
New Delhi: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] has clarified that it does not consider the Narendra Modi-led government or the Indian state as "fascist" or "neo-fascist," diverging from the positions of other Left parties like the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation [CPI(ML)L].
In a note circulated among its state units ahead of its 24th Party Congress in April, the CPI(M) emphasized that while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) regime exhibits "neo-fascist characteristics", the political setup under Prime Minister Modi has not fully developed into a neo-fascist system.
Key differentiation from other left parties
The CPI, in contrast, has labeled the Modi government as a "fascist government", while CPI(ML)L claims that "Indian fascism" has already been established under BJP rule. This divergence from other leftist groups could lead to significant debate within the CPI(M), particularly as it prepares its strategy for the upcoming elections and alliances.
Hindutva corporate authoritarianism
The CPI(M) draft resolution warns of the "danger of Hindutva corporate authoritarianism" potentially evolving into neo-fascism if the BJP-RSS alliance remains unchecked. The party’s note describes the BJP as the "political front of the fascistic RSS" but stops short of categorizing the Indian state or government as fascist.
The leadership clarifies that while the BJP has consolidated political power over a decade of continuous rule, this has led only to the manifestation of "neo-fascist characteristics" rather than a fully developed neo-fascist government.
Internal debates and historical stances
The CPI(M) has faced internal debates over this characterisation. Former General Secretary Sitaram Yechury had previously described the BJP-RSS regime as "fascistic", while current Polit Bureau coordinator Prakash Karat argues that the regime should be described as "authoritarian" instead.
In previous political resolutions, the CPI(M) acknowledged the rise of "emerging fascistic trends" (2018) and described the Modi government as advancing the "fascistic agenda of the RSS" (2022). However, the current resolution marks the first official usage of the term "neo-fascist" by the party.
Distinction between classical fascism and neo-fascism
The party’s note distinguishes between classical fascism, which arose during the imperialist era, and neo-fascism, which has developed within neoliberal political frameworks. Unlike classical fascist regimes that rejected electoral systems, neo-fascist regimes participate in democratic elections while using authoritarian means to suppress opposition and subtly alter state structures from within.
Implications for alliances
Sources suggest that this nuanced stance could influence the CPI(M)’s political strategy, particularly its relationship with the Indian National Congress in the broader fight against the BJP. The outcome of the 24th Party Congress may set the tone for future opposition alliances ahead of the upcoming elections.
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Another North Goa nightclub sealed; Kejriwal says corruption led to fire tragedy
Panaji (PTI): As part of a crackdown against tourist establishments violating laws and safety norms in the aftermath of the Arpora fire tragedy, Goa authorities on Saturday sealed a renowned club at Vagator and revoked the fire department NOC of another club.
Cafe CO2 Goa, located on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea at Vagator beach in North Goa, was sealed. The move came two days after Goya Club, also in Vagator, was shut down for alleged violations of rules.
Elsewhere, campaigning for local body polls, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said the fire incident at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora, which claimed 25 lives on December 6, happened because the BJP government in the state was corrupt.
An inspection of Cafe CO2 Goa by a state government-appointed team revealed that the establishment, with a seating capacity of 250, did not possess a no-objection certificate (NOC) of the Fire and Emergency Services Department. The club, which sits atop Ozrant Cliff, also did not have structural stability, the team found.
The Fire and Emergency Services on Saturday also revoked the NOC issued to Diaz Pool Club and Bar at Anjuna as the fire extinguishers installed in the establishment were found to be inadequate, said divisional fire officer Shripad Gawas.
A notice was issued to Nitin Wadhwa, the partner of the club, he said in the order.
Campaigning at Chimbel village near Panaji in support of his party's Zilla Panchayat election candidate, Aam Aadmi Party leader Kejriwal said the nightclub fire at Arpora happened because of the "corruption of the Pramod Sawant-led state government."
"Why this fire incident happened? I read in the newspapers that the nightclub had no occupancy certificate, no building licence, no excise licence, no construction licence or trade licence. The entire club was illegal but still it was going on," he said.
"How could it go on? Couldn't Pramod Sawant or anyone else see it? I was told that hafta (bribe) was being paid," the former Delhi chief minister said.
A person can not work without bribing officials in the coastal state, Kejriwal said, alleging that officers, MLAs and even ministers are accepting bribes.
