CPI(M) Greets 11th Congress Of PCdoB

Following is the text of the fraternal greetings sent to the central committee of the Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB) on the occasion of its 11th congress by the central committee of the CPI(M) on October 17, 2005. CPI(M) Polit Bureau member S Ramachandran Pillai is attending the Congress on behalf of the CPI(M).

The central committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) conveys its warm fraternal greetings to all the delegates attending the 11th congress of the Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB) and through them to the entire membership of the Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB).

Your Party congress is being held at a time when the Left and progressive forces in Latin America have been making different attempts to find a way out of recurring, severe socio-economic crisis and for an alternative to the neo-liberal policies. The people in Latin America have been searching for a new destiny for Latin America where successive breaks with the past and important political changes have taken place; when forces that, to a greater or lesser extent, are opposed to or are different from neo-liberalism and the imperialist policies have been able to win elections and take over the government. We also note that it is in this context, in Brazil, with the election of president Lula in 2002, a new political situation has arisen.

Brazil, the largest country in Latin America, opened a new stage in its interaction with the world, assuming positions opposing US imperialism and joining the struggle for a new international economic and political order. This has opened up new opportunities and bestowed new responsibilities. The Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB) has a glorious history of struggle and sacrifices. We note with pride the role played by the Brazilian communists in the struggle against imperialism and its attempts for global domination. The PCdoB has taken upon itself the responsibility of uniting all the anti-imperialist and peace-loving people of Brazil in the struggle against imperialist war and for peace, against the hegemonic and unilateral power of US imperialism, for national and social liberation of workers and peoples and for socialism.

You are aware that in the elections held last year in India, the people of India delivered a crushing defeat to the right reactionary regime headed by the Bharatiya Janata Party. The CPI(M) had entered these elections with a three-fold objective: defeat the right-wing communal forces; install an alternative secular government at the centre; and increase the representation of the CPI(M) and the Left in the parliament.

You will be glad to know that the CPI(M) has increased its strength from 33 seats in the last elections to 44 seats this time in the Lower House, i.e., People’s House of the Indian parliament. It is the highest ever won by the Party. In a House of 545, the strength of the combined Left is 61. In the Upper House, i.e., Council of States, the CPI(M) has 13 seats and the Left as a whole has 17 out of 250. The CPI(M) is the third largest party in the Indian parliament. The representation of the Left as a whole has increased.

The significance of this lies not only in projecting the growing strength of the Left and its increasing relevance but also the vantage position that it has acquired in Indian politics. The United Progressive Alliance government that has come in place following the 2004 elections is dependent on the support of the Left. The CPI(M) and the Left played a crucial role in putting this government in place.

While the Party has no illusions about the character of this government, the main task before the Party would be to keep the communal and reactionary forces in check. It would however, spare no effort in both defending and advancing the interests of the working class and the common people.

Once again, on behalf of the central committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) we convey our warm fraternal greetings to the 11th congress of the Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB). We are confident that this Congress will be able to work out the correct strategy and tactics to meet the situation and rally all the progressive and democratic forces in Brazil to carry forward the struggle for the establishment of a socialist society. While such a struggle will be long and arduous, on behalf of the CPI(M) we assure you of our solidarity and support.

The CPI(M) and the Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB) have a long association of friendship and understanding. We are certain that this mutual trust and bonds of friendship will get further strengthened in the days ahead.

People's Democracy