Time for the Left to Move Beyond Revolutionary Rhetoric, Recognize Its Achievements

India’s left-wing parties have long championed the cause of social justice, equality, and the eradication of poverty, ignorance, and disease—a vision famously articulated by Jawaharlal Nehru. While India as a whole has struggled to fully realize these goals, the state of Kerala stands out as a notable exception, largely owing to the policies and governance of communist parties. Yet, ironically, the Left has often failed to acknowledge or take credit for these tangible achievements.

Learning from History

The Indian Left, much like Columbus in history, set out with ambitious objectives—Columbus sought India but reached the Americas; similarly, Indian communists aimed to usher in a revolution and establish socialism. Both fell short of their original goals. However, while Columbus is remembered for his discoveries, the Indian Left’s contributions to social welfare, education, and healthcare remain underappreciated—even by the Left itself.

The Kerala Model

Kerala has demonstrated what progressive policies can achieve when implemented effectively. The state has significantly improved literacy, healthcare, and social indicators, showcasing the potential of focused governance. These successes, however, have not translated into broader recognition for the political parties that implemented them.

Capitalist Reform and Economic Growth

While communism faced historical failures, capitalist-oriented reforms in countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan have led to spectacular economic growth. Land reforms in these countries dismantled feudal structures, cleared the path for capitalist production, and accelerated industrial development. Marx’s critique of capitalism highlighted labor as a commodity, yet modern economies have shown that harnessing labor efficiently within a capitalist framework can drive societal progress.

Lessons from the Soviet Experiment

Communism, in its Soviet incarnation, ultimately failed. The USSR’s ambitious socialist objectives were undermined by internal conflict, and many humanistic ideals were sacrificed to mere survival. Yet, the Soviet model did leave behind some positive legacies: the modernization of the Russian economy, establishment of industrial infrastructure, and the indirect impetus for welfare policies in Western countries, which feared revolution.

Welfare Spending and Public Policy

Today, countries like France spend over 50% of GDP on social welfare, while most developed European nations exceed 40%. In India, however, the government’s social expenditure is about 28% of GDP, with tax revenue contributing only 17% of GDP, roughly half of what wealthier nations collect.

Reorienting the Left’s Struggle

Rather than opposing development outright, the Left should focus on inclusive growth—ensuring fair compensation for those displaced by infrastructure or industrial projects, creating local employment opportunities, and investing in essential public services like schools and hospitals. Recognizing that capitalism has not ended, the Left must pivot toward strategies that harness economic growth for public benefit, similar to the approach taken by China and other Asian economies.

Cultural and Political Strategy

The Left must modernize its outreach, moving beyond traditional rallies, plays, and songs to leverage digital platforms such as YouTube and social media reels to spread its message. Political influence can grow only when the Left promotes shared prosperity over class animosity, and when it offers practical alternatives to communal and sectarian agendas.

By embracing both achievements and realistic strategies for the future, the Indian Left can transform from a historically revolutionary movement into a mainstream political force, capable of addressing today’s complex social and economic challenges.