The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) met in New Delhi on May 3, 2025. It has issued the following statement:
The PB condoled the death of 26 people who were killed by terrorists in Pahalgam and observed a minute’s silence.
Pahalgam Terror Attack
The horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam which killed 26 people has united the whole country in condemnation and grief. All efforts must be made to track down the killers and punish them. The terrorist attack was the result of a major security lapse. This must be enquired into and responsibility fixed so that remedial measures are taken.
The most significant event is the way the people of Kashmir have come out in protest and condemnation of this attack. The valley witnessed a shut down. It is this popular sentiment which must be built upon to isolate the terrorist elements in Jammu & Kashmir. No measures should be taken, such as the demolition of houses of terrorists, which affects innocent families and alienates people.
The Polit Bureau condemned the hate campaign against Muslims and Kashmiris being conducted on social media and some attacks on individual citizens. Such bigoted elements are only aiding the terrorist aim of dividing the people.
The government has taken certain diplomatic steps against Pakistan to curb the terrorist outfits stationed there. Priority should be to identify the perpetrators and handlers of the attackers and prepare a dossier to be placed before the international community. The matter should be taken up with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for suitable intervention. The government should seriously weigh whether a military response will serve the purpose of curbing cross-border terrorism and act as a deterrent.
Caste Census
The Central government has declared that it would conduct the caste census along with the general census. This is a positive decision, which we have been demanding for long. The modalities of how the government intends to gather the caste data and other details have not yet been made clear. The government should immediately declare the schedule for the conduct of the general census which was long overdue.
Waqf Law and Communal Attacks
After the BJP government enacted The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, communal attacks on the minorities took place in various cities. Properties of Muslims were targeted and burnt. The BJP is using the Bill to polarise the people on religious lines and attack minorities. Some of the BJP leaders have stated that after the Waqf Bill, attention should be turned towards the properties owned by the Church. This exposes their real intention, to capture the properties of all the minority communities and deprive them of the constitutionally guaranteed rights and protections. Muslim extremist organisations are trying to take advantage of the situation and are playing into the hands of the Hindutva communal forces.
Supreme Court Judgement on Governor’s Powers
The Supreme Court judgement on the powers of the Governor is a blow to the central government’s efforts to use them to stall the functioning of opposition ruled state governments. The Supreme Court has laid down time-bound guidelines for Governors and stated that they should not act as political agents, but function as a constitutional figurehead.
Instead of accepting the judgement and ensuring that the wishes of the state legislatures are respected, the Modi government is considering challenging the Court’s orders. This should not be allowed. Certain statements made by the Vice President and some BJP leaders against the judgement are a direct challenge to the judicial authority of the courts and should be condemned.
Operation Kagar
Operation Kagar launched by the central government to eliminate Maoists in the region around Chhattisgarh is creating terror in the lives of adivasis. The Maoists have proposed a dialogue with the government. The government has to ensure that the lives of innocent adivasis are not lost in the crossfire between the government forces and Maoists. The government should accept the offer of peace talks as the issue cannot be resolved only through the use of arms.
US Tariff War
The US has increased tariffs on almost all countries, but later backtracked declaring a pause for 90-days, except for China. The US act was opposed by many countries. China, Canada, Mexico and the EU retaliated by increasing the tariffs on goods they import from the US. Unlike them, the Indian government did not react against the imposition of tariffs on Indian goods and instead is trying to appease Trump, by voluntarily reducing tariffs.
India-US Trade Negotiations
The Indian government is in discussions with the US to sign a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). Already two rounds of negotiations have been completed and it is expected that the deal will be concluded by the end of this year. The US government wants India to open its market for agricultural products from the US and also bring changes to patent laws. India should resist all such efforts, which are going to harm the interests of our farmers and the country.
Genocidal War in Gaza
The Polit Bureau condemned the continuing war on Gaza, Palestine. Due to the Israeli attacks and ban imposed on the movement of aid convoys, people of Gaza are suffering from mass starvation. The international community should immediately bring pressure on Israel to declare a ceasefire and allow unhindered access of food and other essential commodities into Gaza.
Elections in Bihar
Elections to the Bihar state assembly are scheduled in October 2025. The Party will start its preparations for contesting these elections. It is already in discussions with allies in the Mahagatbandhan.
CC Meeting
The first meeting of the newly elected Central Committee will be held from 3-5 June in New Delhi.