THIS DAY THAT YEAR - Marching for Change: CPM Rallies Against Electoral Malpractice!

On March 31, 1985, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) headed the opposition campaign to bring parties together in opposing the government's purported "anti-people" policies and election rigging. The move followed the Calcutta conclave of January 1984 during which 12 opposition parties gathered to strategize political alliance. The CPM suggested initiating a combined campaign to protest against massive rigging in the recent Lok Sabha and assembly polls. The party also wanted to make amends with the Communist Party of India (CPI), even though they were contesting against each other in the elections.

 

Important Developments:

 

CPM's Political Strategy:

Historical Context:

 

The CPM's action was an expression of its overall strategy to resist what it perceived as governmental authoritarianism and electoral irregularities. The time also saw increased political instability throughout India, such as terrorism-related challenges, communal tensions, and labor unrest. The CPM's action was representative of its ideological drive to organize against policies that it perceived as exploitative or non-democratic.

 

Sources: Indian Express, Ministry of Home Affairs Report (1985-86), Wikipedia