CPI(M) felicitates members of its first Central Committee

New Delhi: Flashing a toothless smile and propped up by fellow comrades, 96-year-old N. Sankaraiah climbed the stairs to the stage at the 22nd party congress of the CPI(M). Cheered on by the delegates, he raised his frail arm, thrusting his fist in the air, for the Communist salute, serving a reminder to them of the party’s origins.

The CPI (M) on Wednesday felicitated Mr. Sankariah and veteran leader V.S. Achuthanandan, 94: both were part of the first Central Committee of the party when it was born in 1964 on splitting from the Communist Party of India.

Years after retiring from active politics, Mr. Sankariah’s passion and commitment to the party remains undiminished. “Marxism and Leninism are unconquerable. And I hope the world will grow inevitably towards socialism in one form or the other,” he said.

He shrugged off questions on whether he was disappointed that the party, 54 years after it came into being, was at its lowest point with its defeat in Tripura and receding presence in West Bengal. “It is a continuous struggle. We will overcome the defeats of Tripura and West Bengal,” he said.

On the much-debated political tactical line of the party, Mr. Sankariah said: “This congress will solve all the problems. We are for Left unity and the struggle of people. I do not want to say anything on it.”

This is the first time the party is felicitating its founder members in its highest forum, the party congress.