Kolkata, May 10 – In a strategic move to revive its political influence in West Bengal ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, the CPI(M) has rolled out an extensive grassroots campaign focused on education and healthcare.
Focus on Alternative Coaching and Healthcare Centres
In a letter addressed to its workers, the CPI(M) outlined its plan to establish two coaching centres in every district of the state. These centres will cater to economically disadvantaged students, functioning as alternative educational facilities aligned with the school syllabus. The party has suggested involving teachers and students from colleges and universities to run these centres, with a deadline set for August.Simultaneously, the party aims to set up low-cost healthcare centres across every area committee. These facilities are expected to provide medical assistance and medicines at affordable prices. The CPI(M) is mobilising doctors, nurses, medical representatives, and members of its ‘Red Volunteers’ network—who played a key role during the COVID-19 crisis—for this initiative.
Ideological Training and Party Schools
The CPI(M) is also working to strengthen its cadre base ideologically. The party has directed its leaders to expedite the formation of party schools in every district. These institutions will focus on imparting ideological and political education to party workers. A renewed push for ideological discussions and training programmes at all levels is also underway.Emphasis on Inclusive and Issue-Based Politics
CPI(M) state secretary Mohammed Salim has urged party leaders to focus on inclusive mobilisation, including outreach towards farmers, women, youth, teachers, and the LGBTQ community. The letter stressed the importance of addressing day-to-day public issues through positive interventions rather than resorting to mere sloganeering.Digital Discipline and Organisational Goals
The party has cautioned its members against posting personal opinions on social media that may undermine its collective goals. The letter called for a unified voice, especially during a period of restructuring and rejuvenation.Having failed to secure a single seat in the 2021 Assembly elections, the CPI(M) is now positioning itself as a grassroots-driven alternative to the dominant Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal.
The initiatives, as outlined in the internal communique, reflect CPI(M)’s efforts to reassert its relevance in the state by combining social outreach with ideological clarity.
