CPI(M) State Secretary Mohammad Salim strongly criticised a section of Left activists and supporters who described the state government’s flagship welfare initiative, Lakshmi Bhandar — a scheme introduced by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that provides direct monthly financial assistance to beneficiaries — as nothing more than a form of “begging” on social media.
In the aftermath of the Lok Sabha elections, Salim issued a firm directive urging party leaders and workers to refrain from making disparaging remarks online that not only misrepresent the intent of such welfare programmes but also undermine the party’s organisational discipline and collective message.
Although the CPI(M) central leadership had previously cautioned members about indiscriminate social media usage, the cautionary missive evidently failed to permeate all echelons.
Consequently, the party’s state committee has now circulated a formal letter mandating that personal opinions on social media be strictly subordinated to official party positions.
The communique underscores that “in many instances, individual statements contravene the party’s decisions,” and calls for tighter synchronization between state- and district-level social media teams to present a unified message.
Doubts persist within the party’s ranks as to whether these instructions are reaching grassroots functionaries. A recent episode from Murshidabad illustrates the repercussions of unsanctioned disclosures— a female party member publicly accused a senior leader of sexual harassment via social platforms, despite an ongoing inquiry by the party’s Internal Complaints Committee.
The subsequent outcry, amplified by women’s activists on social media, forced the CPI(M) to expel the accused for “serious moral turpitude.” Reflecting on the fallout, a state leader lamented, “Had the complainant trusted the internal process instead of going viral, the party could have resolved the matter discreetly.”
In its latest written injunction, the CPI(M) warns that social media must not serve as an arena for intra-party factionalism.
“Any use of online platforms for inter-factional struggle will invite stringent disciplinary measures by the concerned party committee,” the letter declares.
Recognising the growing importance of digital outreach, the party also resolved to appoint dedicated social media operatives at district centres— a decision that remains unevenly implemented.
The letter urges prompt execution of this strategy, emphasising that a disciplined, well-coordinated online presence is indispensable to safeguarding both the party’s unity and its public credibility.
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