THE state committee of the CPI(M) organised a three-day political camp from September 19-21, in the scenic town of Rajgir, a town with historical significance as the seat of the Magadh empire and pivotal in Jain and Buddhist religions. Rajgir is renowned for its association with the ancient Nalanda University and other historical movements. Today, it has transformed into a modern tourist destination, surrounded by hills and lush greenery.

During the late 70s and 80s, the CPI(M) played a pivotal role in leading various land movements in and around Rajgir, with leaders such as Comrade Parmeshwar Rajvanshi, Aklu Rajvanshi, and other valiant fighters at the forefront. Comrade Aklu Rajvanshi was gunned down by the goons hired by class enemies. The localities of Marxwadi Nagar, Hare Krishna Konar Nagar, and Lenin Nagar stand as enduring testaments to the triumphant land struggles fought by the landless, predominantly from the dalit community.

Given its historical resonance and the legacy of successful struggles, Rajgir stands as an ideal location for organising political camps and classes. The impact is rejuvenating, both mentally and physically, for the participants, providing a unique and inspiring environment rooted in the spirit of past victories and ongoing struggles for justice.

On September 19, the first class was held on Marxist Philosophy. Prakash Karat, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member explained the differences between idealism and materialism and elucidated how Marx developed dialectical materialism as a scientific doctrine through a protracted struggle against both idealist and mechanical materialist philosophies. Emphasizing that Marxist philosophy is not a static doctrine but a dynamic tool for interpreting the ever-changing world, he underscored its inherent call to action, urging us to actively engage in the struggle to effect change.

Prakash Karat delved into Lenin's significant contributions, particularly in the era of imperialism and in shaping the organisation of the communist party. His ideological and organisational leadership not only led to revolutionary changes in Russia but also paved the way for triumphs in colonial countries and revolutions in places like China, Vietnam, North Korea, and Cuba.

The first-day session concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session lasting for an hour, providing participants with an opportunity to delve deeper into the complex and insightful teachings of Marxist philosophy.

On the second day, September 20, Ashok Dhawale, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member, delivered a lecture focusing on communalism, identity politics, and the working methods of the RSS, and how to fight this challenge in the present context. The session was highly engaging, with participants expressing a keen interest in understanding the causes and motivations behind the growth of Hindutva forces, nurtured by the RSS since its inception in 1925.

Ashok Dhawale explained the historical trajectory of communalism, particularly during British rule and following the First War of Independence in 1857. He highlighted pivotal events such as the communal division of Bengal in 1905, the establishment of the Muslim League in 1906, and the Hindu Mahasabha in 1915, underscoring how these developments sowed the seeds of communalism within the Indian national movement. In 1923, Savarkar authored a book on Hindutva, which laid the foundation for the two-nation theory. This theory was supported by Mohammad Jinnah in 1940.  It is a political project aiming to transform India into a majority Hindu fascist state.

Dhawale drew attention to Golwalkar's influential works, particularly his "Bunch of Thoughts" and "Nation and Nationalism," which, along with Savarkar's book, form the ideological base of the RSS. The RSS, through its various wings and notably the BJP, seeks to impose this ideology, thereby posing a significant threat to the secular, socialist, and republican character of our constitution. He also explained the identify politics and the need to fight simultaneously on class and social oppression issues.

On the concluding day of the three-day political camp, Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) general secretary, spoke on the current international and national scenario, elucidating the tasks outlined in the 23rd Party Congress. He delved into the efforts of imperialist powers, particularly the United States and its European allies, to maintain hegemony amid severe economic crises, conflicts such as the Ukraine-Russia war, and the waning grip of American influence on global affairs.

Yechury highlighted the rightward shift in various countries resulting from economic crises, leading to the rise of racist and anti-immigrant fascist forces. He also discussed the global fightback by workers and peace-loving forces, citing some successes by Left forces in democratically elected governments in Latin American countries.

Turning to the political situation in the country, he underscored the imperative of combating the RSS-led BJP politically, ideologically, and organisationally. Criticising the present regime for aligning with imperialist interests and privatising national assets to benefit a few capitalists, he emphasised how it is using diversionary tactics of hate speeches against Muslims and ethnic minorities to polarise the masses for electoral gains.

The 23rd Party Congress, he asserted, provided a vision and tactical approach to confront this situation. The primary duty, in the current scenario, is to defeat the RSS-led BJP in the 2024 parliamentary elections. Yechury welcomed the unity of 28 secular parties under the Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) and hinted at the potential addition of more organisations. He clarified that seat negotiations among secular parties would be determined at the state level.

The meeting concluded with addresses by Sitaram Yechury, Ashok Dhawale, and Party state secretary Lalan Chowdhary in front of a jam-packed hall, notably featuring an overwhelming presence of dalit women. The district committee of Nalanda received special appreciation for their excellent arrangements. Parmeshwar Prasad, Jeetendra Singh, Rabindra Singh, Ram Dahin Rajbansi, Surendra Yadav, and Party district secretary Janardan Prasad played important roles in organising the three-day camp in Rajgir.