CPM in Himachal: Loud on Agitation, Silent on Electability? 

Shimla: The Himachal unit of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) continues to push its agenda with renewed vigor, holding state committee meetings and announcing protests, yet its electoral success remains an elusive dream.

The party, which has been struggling to secure a foothold in the state's political landscape, is now rallying against privatization, economic distress, and rising inequality under the BJP-led central government.

However, its inability to translate agitation into votes raises a pertinent question—why does CPM remain a marginal force in Himachal Pradesh despite its aggressive stance on public issues?

The party's recent meeting in Shimla, chaired by Rakesh Singha and attended by central committee member Onkar Shad, reiterated its stand against the Modi government's "neoliberal" policies. It accused the NDA regime of widening economic disparities, worsening unemployment, and promoting communal politics. The state leadership, led by Sanjay Chauhan, also blamed both the BJP and Congress for Himachal’s deepening financial crisis, highlighting rising debt, reduced central grants, and shrinking state revenues.

Political Noise, Electoral Silence

Despite these strong words, the CPM has failed to make any significant electoral impact in Himachal Pradesh.

While Rakesh Singha won a lone assembly seat in 2017, the party failed to retain it in 2022. Its presence in local bodies, including municipal corporations, is almost negligible.

The question remains: if the issues CPM raises are so pressing, why does the electorate not see it as an alternative?

One major reason is the party’s inability to expand beyond its limited pockets of influence. Unlike in states like Kerala and West Bengal, where CPM built a strong cadre base, its organizational structure in Himachal remains weak, largely restricted to small workers' unions, apple farmers’ groups, and a handful of student activists.

While the party frequently organizes protests against privatization—such as the proposed outsourcing of Himachal’s electricity board—it lacks a strong grassroots presence beyond a few constituencies.

Moreover, CPM’s ideological rigidity often alienates voters who seek immediate governance solutions rather than perpetual agitation.

The party’s opposition to the New Education Policy (NEP), privatization of power, and public-sector reforms resonates with some sections but fails to convince the larger electorate, which is more concerned with pragmatic development rather than ideological battles.

Protests, But No Political Strategy?

The CPM has announced its support for various protest movements in the state, including the March 20 assembly rally by the Himachal Kisan Sabha and Apple Growers’ Association over land rights.

It is also opposing the Unification Pension Scheme (UPS), supporting old pension demands, and standing with lawyers against the Advocate Amendment Bill 2025. However, the party’s reliance on issue-based protests rather than a comprehensive electoral strategy exposes its biggest weakness—it is a party that thrives on agitation but struggles with electability.

CPM’s criticism of Himachal’s economic policies, particularly the debt crisis and the BJP government’s failure to secure adequate financial support from the Centre, is not entirely misplaced. However, its failure to present a viable political alternative means that its criticisms are often overlooked.

The party demands policies that prioritize common citizens over corporate interests, but it has been unable to convince voters that it can actually implement them if given power.

The Road Ahead: Can CPM Break Its Electoral Jinx?

For CPM to be taken seriously as a political force in Himachal Pradesh, it must move beyond its protest-driven politics and build a more credible electoral base.

Relying solely on attacking the BJP and Congress without presenting itself as a viable third option will keep it relegated to the sidelines.

The electorate has consistently shown that it prefers governance over constant resistance. Unless CPM finds a way to transform its street protests into political victories, it will remain a party that makes noise but wins no seats.

For now, the party’s loud proclamations against "neoliberal policies" and "corporate loot" may energize its limited cadre, but unless it converts this energy into votes, its presence in Himachal politics will remain as insignificant as its electoral track record suggests.