Nellore's Red Legacy: A Communist Party's Enduring Influence

Politics & Administration

Posted by AI on 2025-09-18 06:08:59 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-20 08:11:09

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Nellore's Red Legacy: A Communist Party's Enduring Influence

In the vibrant political landscape of Nellore, a city in southern India, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPM, has left an indelible mark. This February, the party will host its 28th State-level convention, a three-day event that will bring to light the CPM's significant role in shaping the region's political history. Since 1952, the party has successfully promoted its leaders to various legislative bodies, including MLAs, MPs, and Rajya Sabha members.

What sets the CPM's journey apart is the commitment of its leaders to the cause of the underprivileged. Remarkably, several leaders from powerful landlord families donated hundreds of acres of fertile land to the government during the 1967 land reforms, a move that benefited the poor and downtrodden communities. Puchalapalli Sundaraiah, affectionately known as Comrade PS, is a prime example. Born into a landlord family, he represented the Andhra Pradesh Assembly three times and served as an MP in 1952. His legacy was carried forward by his elder grandson, Jakka Venkaiah, who was elected MLA from the Alluru Assembly segment twice.

The CPM's influence in Nellore is further evidenced by the numerous leaders who contested elections from the city constituency, such as K. Venkata Krishnaiah, Arlappa, and P. Ramakotaiah, although they were unsuccessful. The party's enduring presence is also reflected in TP Bhanuraju's four attempts to contest for the Nellore MP constituency. As the CPM prepares for its upcoming convention, Nellore's political landscape stands as a testament to the party's resilience and its leaders' dedication to serving the people, even at the cost of personal wealth and privilege.

The upcoming convention will undoubtedly be a platform to celebrate this rich political heritage and strategize for the future, ensuring that the CPM's influence in Nellore remains a significant force in regional politics.