As the debate over the party’s tactical political line continues in the CPI (M) 22nd National Congress, senior leaders are pointing to recurrence of Telugu link in such developments in the party.
CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, a Telugu by roots, has introduced the minority view of the party’s tactical political line appealing to the party not to close door on any possibilities. This was in contrast to the line approved by the central committee presented by former general secretary Prakash Karat which opposed any truck with the Congress. Ironically, the 10-odd representatives of the central committee from two Telugu States are reported to be by and large in support of Mr. Karat’s views.
Senior leaders recalled that this was not an isolated incident in the party’s more than five decade existence. Similar differences existed during the reign of legendary communist leader P. Sundarayya of Telugu origin who resigned from his post due to internal circumstances. He had said in his resignation that he was quitting the post due to the fact that the central committee majority had decided for joint actions with pro-imperialist Jana Sangh.
Senior leaders said Sundarayya had ideological differences with another communist stalwart and his contemporary, Makineni Basava Punnaiah, especially on the course of action that should be adopted vis-a-vis Jayaprakash Narayan combine and faction of Congress led by Jagjivan Ram. The letter mentions about Sundarayya’s unhappiness over Basava Punnaiah for not actually fighting for his line or participating in carrying out the responsibility of the polit bureau.
“There are several instances where the general secretary had not presented the tactical political line of the party. Communist stalwart B.T. Ranadive also presented similar political resolutions during several national congresses of the party held in late 1970s and 1980s,” a senior leader recalled.
