This Congress coincides with the centenary of the Communist Party of India. Our Party, born in the fire of the anti-colonial struggle, nourished by the sacrifices of generations, and steeled in a century-long confrontation with imperialism, communalism and oppression, carries into this gathering a proud history and an even greater responsibility.

The soil of Punjab itself inspires us. This land gave birth to the Ghadar movement led by Sohan Singh Bhakna, to Kartar Singh Sarabha’s youthful defiance, to Udham Singh avenging Jallianwala Bagh, and to Bhagat Singh’s immortal call of Inquilab Zindabad. The sacrifices of countless comrades here, including those who laid down their lives resisting fanaticism and terrorism, form part of our red heritage. Holding this Congress in Punjab is therefore not only a matter of pride but also a tribute to a tradition of resistance that continues to inspire our struggle.

Around us, the world seethes with turmoil. The Palestinian people face barbaric aggression, their lives destroyed with the full backing of US imperialism. Wars rage across West Asia and Africa, driven not by the needs of the people but by the greed of imperialist powers. Monopoly capital, finance capital and inter-imperialist rivalries dominate the global order, exactly as Lenin described in his analysis of imperialism. At the same time, humanity experiences unprecedented technological progress alongside grotesque inequality, hunger and climate catastrophe. The capitalist system continues to loot both labour and nature, producing misery for billions while enriching a handful. Yet, resistance rises, from Latin America to Asia, reminding us that people refuse to accept misery as fate.

India itself stands at a critical juncture. Since 2014, when the BJP captured power, the foundations of the republic have come under relentless assault. The RSS, which played no role in the freedom struggle and opposed the very Constitution of India, now controls the Union government. Parliament is reduced to a rubber stamp, the judiciary weakened, federalism trampled, and minorities demonised. Dalits, Adivasis and women face violence, while the media is turned into a propaganda machine. This is nothing less than the attempt to convert India into a Hindu Rashtra—hierarchical, theocratic and fascist.

Alongside communalism advances ruthless crony capitalism. A handful of corporate houses enjoy unprecedented control over resources, policies and infrastructure. Privatisation of the public sector, destruction of welfare programmes, and erosion of labour rights march hand in hand with authoritarian politics. This combination of monopoly capitalism and authoritarian rule is the textbook definition of fascism.

The 2024 elections revealed that resistance is possible. The BJP was denied a majority, but the INDIA bloc lacked cohesion and clarity. Electoral arithmetic alone cannot defeat fascism. What is required is unity based on principles: secularism, democracy, social justice and people’s welfare. In this struggle, the Left has a decisive role. It is the most consistent and uncompromising force against fascism. Left unity is not a matter of convenience but a historic necessity.

This Congress therefore becomes a moment of both reflection and resolve. We commit to strengthening the CPI in the struggles of workers, peasants, youth, women, Dalits, Adivasis and all oppressed sections. We commit to forging greater Left unity and working for the broadest unity of secular and democratic forces on principled grounds. We commit to deepening our engagement in mass struggles—for employment, education, health, caste annihilation, gender justice, environmental protection and democratic rights. We also embrace new means of communication to connect with the youth and carry forward the socialist vision.

As heirs to a century of struggles—from the Ghadarites to the martyrs of Telangana, from the workers of Bombay and Calcutta to the peasants of Kerala, Bengal, Punjab and Tamil Nadu—we draw strength from history to confront the present. Bhagat Singh’s words remind us that revolution is not about bombs and pistols but about the radical transformation of society. That remains our mission.

From Chandigarh, amidst floods and adversity, we raise our call: to resist fascism, to defend the Constitution, and to fight for an India of equality, secularism, democracy and socialism. The Twenty-Fifth Congress of the Communist Party of India becomes a pledge to march forward with courage, unity and resolve. (IPA Service)