THE 24th CPI(M) State Conference of Punjab was held at Desh Bhagat Yaadgar Hall, Jalandhar, on December 9-10, 2024. The conference began with the flag hoisting by the senior-most delegate, Sital Singh Sangha and paying of tributes at the Martyrs' Column.

A presidium comprising Major Singh Bhikhiwind, Gurdarshan Singh Khaspur, Abdul Sattar, Parshotam Lal Bilga, and Harpreet Kaur Chabal conducted the proceedings of the conference. A total of 239 delegates and observers participated in the conference. Advocate Guriqbal Singh Dhillon, chairman of the reception committee, delivered the welcome address.

Gurdarshan Singh Khaspur presented the condolence resolution. The house paid tributes to Sitaram Yechury, Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, and other comrades and people who passed away during this period by observing two minutes of silence.

CPI(M) Polit Bureau members Nilotpal Basu and Ashok Dhawale participated in the conference from the centre. Ashok Dhawale, while inaugurating the conference, elaborated on the current international situation. He highlighted that imperialist powers, particularly the United States and Israel, have caused the deaths of thousands of innocent people in Palestine and Ukraine through wars. He further explained how the Russia-Ukraine war is being used by imperialist forces to push the world toward another global conflict. He criticised the growing capitalist crisis fuelled by neoliberal policies, which has resulted in rising prices, poverty, and unemployment in many countries, including India. He noted that these issues have led to widespread protests across the world and cited the historic farmers' struggle in India against the three farm laws as an example.

Dhawale emphasized that Left forces are gaining strength in many countries, including Sri Lanka. He accused the United States and other capitalist nations of exploiting the natural resources of poorer countries to maintain their dominance. He also criticised the BJP-corporate nexus and the fascist RSS for pursuing an agenda of communalism and economic exploitation. He said that the government is selling public sector assets to corporate allies at throwaway prices. In his address, Dhawale remembered Sitaram Yechury for his crucial role in forming the INDIA bloc and preventing the BJP from securing an absolute majority. He also paid tribute to the great martyrs of India’s freedom struggle, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev.

Pritipal Singh Maghimerra, general secretary of the Desh Bhagat Yaadgar Hall Committee, Jalandhar, and member of the National Council of CPI, also extended greetings to the conference.

Sukhwinder Singh Sekhon, CPI(M) state secretary presented the political and organisational report to the conference. A total of 34 delegates participated in the discussions, and the report was adopted unanimously after incorporating some suggestions.

The conference unanimously elected 36 members to the state committee. One seat was kept vacant for Gurdaspur district. Eight people were nominated as permanent invitees. Four people were nominated as special invitees. The newly elected state committee re-elected Sukhwinder Singh Sekhon as secretary for the third consecutive term. Twelve people were elected as delegates to the upcoming Party Congress. Three were elected as alternative delegates. Four people were nominated to the Control Commission with Lehmber Singh Taggar as its chairman.

The conference adopted several resolutions, including demands for a loan waiver for farmers and labourers, a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), measures against the drug menace, the resolution of issues arising from the construction of a new canal in semi-hilly areas, employment-oriented education, pollution prevention, restoration of student union elections, action against the sand and mining mafia, protection of democratic and human rights, measures against crimes targeting women, and the transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab, among other pressing issues.

Nilotpal Basu addressed the conference and remarked that since the collapse of the socialist system in Eastern European countries, the exploitation of the common man has been on the rise. He criticised how exploitative forces have been using communal agendas to perpetuate their dominance. He explained that globalisation and privatisation have allowed a small group of people to seize control of the economy and maintain their grip on it.

Basu highlighted the historical contributions of Indian migrant workers, especially from Punjab, who organised against exploitation and racism during the 19th and 20th centuries. He cautioned that extreme-right forces in European countries are now attempting to dismantle the unity of workers.

He further criticised the National Education Policy, which has led to the closure of thousands of schools and made education unaffordable for the common people. He pointed out that the high cost of medical treatment has left ordinary people dying without adequate healthcare. Basu emphasized that unemployment has reached its peak, forcing workers to accept meagre wages in the unorganised sector.

Recalling Punjab's glorious history and heritage, built on the sacrifices of its people, Basu urged Communist cadres to intensify their efforts on ground-level demands, issues, and injustices. He observed that the prevailing difficult circumstances have created widespread despair among the common people. In these challenging times, he asserted, the only hope for working people lies in the red flag.

Basu congratulated the state committee for successfully organising the 24th state conference.

At the end of the conference, Gurdarshan Singh Khaspur thanked the central leadership, reception committee and the delegates for making the conference successful.