P.K. Sasi’s Democratic Marxist Front to merge with CMP on July 17

The Democratic Marxist Front (DMF) led by former Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] leader P.K. Sasi will merge with the Communist Marxist Party (CMP) headed by C.P. John on July 17, 2026.

The merger function will be held in Thrissur, Mr. John, CMP general secretary and Transport Minister, said in Palakkad on Monday (July 6, 2026).

Mr. John said Mr. Sasi would be appointed one of the State secretaries of the CMP after the merger. He said discussions on the merger had taken place even before the Assembly elections.

Mr. John made the announcement at the DMF State-level policy convention in Palakkad on Monday. He said the initiative began during the local body elections in Kozhinjampara, when rebel candidates who opposed the CPI(M) contested under the CMP symbol. He said the development served as a reminder to the CPI(M), which, he alleged, had attempted to weaken the communist movement.

‘Fascist tendencies’

“The CMP stands against those who display fascist tendencies while claiming to be communists,” he said.

Mr. Sasi, in turn, launched a sharp attack on the CPI(M). Referring to Brazil’s exit from the FIFA World Cup and Neymar’s retirement, he said the CPI(M) would also face its own political decline. He said the DMF, along with other like-minded groups, would form a new Left platform in Kerala. In a sarcastic remark, he thanked the CPI(M) for “strengthening” the DMF.

Mr. Sasi alleged that during the Assembly elections there was arrogance within the CPI(M) “from leaders like M.V. Govindan to the branch level.” He said the party had reached a stage where communists were targeting fellow communists, weakening the organisation. Despite its electoral setback, the CPI(M) continued to show arrogance, he said. He added that as long as leaders like Mr. Govindan remained in the party, the DMF would continue to grow.

Describing the CPI(M) as being “in the ICU,” he said “the party would be laid to rest” before the next Assembly elections.”