The CPI(M) was formed at the Seventh Congress of the Communist Party of India held
in Calcutta from October 31 to November 7, 1964. The CPI(M) was born in the
struggle against revisionism and sectarianism in the communist movement at the
international and national level, in order to defend the scientific and
revolutionary tenets of Marxism-Leninism and its appropriate application in
the concrete Indian conditions. The CPI(M) combines the fine heritage of the
anti-imperialist struggle and the revolutionary legacy of the undivided
Communist Party which was founded in 1920. Over the years, the Party has
emerged as the foremost Left force in the country
.
The
CPI(M) has grown steadily since its formation in 1964. The membership of the
Party, which was 118,683 at the time of its formation, has grown to 703,263 in
1997. The
Party has been able to effectively withstand the imperialist propaganda
offensive in the aftermath of the setback and reverses to socialism
internationally. While various communist parties had changed their names and
abandoned the ideology of the working class, the CPI(M) maintained its
ideological and political unity. This is not to deny the fact that these
developments should lead to a reassessment and fresh look at the experience
and history of the Communist movement. The intense ideological debate that
ensued in the background of these events have only strengthened the commitment
of the CPI(M) members and cadres to the cause of the Party and the science of
Marxism-Leninism.
