The CPI 25th National Congress began today at Kisan Bhawan, Chandigarh. The ceremony started with the national flag hoisted by Jagmohan Singh, nephew of Shaheed Bhagat Singh. The CPI flag was raised by veteran leader Bhupinder Sambhar. Leaders also paid floral tributes at the Martyrs’ Column.
In the inaugural session, Swarajbir, chairman of the Reception Committee, welcomed delegates and recalled the Ghadar Party movement, the Communist movement, and the sacrifices of Shaheed Bhagat Singh. He highlighted the formation of peasant organisations before and after Independence and their role in major agrarian movements. Eminent Punjab communist leaders like Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna, Teja Singh Sutantar, and Jangir Singh Joga were remembered.
CPI general secretary D Raja saluted Punjab’s soil. CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby stressed the need for Left unity. CPI(ML) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya highlighted joint efforts to strengthen the communist movement. Leaders from Forward Bloc and Revolutionary Socialist Party also extended greetings.
In the evening, the Ambassadors of Palestine and Cuba attended. Palestinian Ambassador Abdullah Shahwaish accused Israel and the US of committing genocide in Palestine, emphasizing US responsibility.
