Question

The split between CPI and CPI(M) had taken place in ____________.
A.1961
B.1964
C.1971
D.1977

Answer 1

Hint: The full form of CPI is the Communist Party of India, was formed on 26 December 1925, is the oldest communist political party in India. It is also one of the eight national parties in the country.

Complete Step by Step answer: The Communist Party of India was formed in 1925. Till 1977, it remained an ally of the Congress. Thereafter, it started to be anti-Congress and anti-BJP, left and democratic front. The aims and objectives of CPI are that it believes in Marxism, Leninism, secularism and democracy. It opposes the forces of secessionism and communalism. It accepts parliamentary democracy as a means of promoting the interests of the working class, farmers and the poor. It favours control over foreign trade, new and equitable international economic order.

On the other hand, the Communist Party of India Marxist (CPI-M) supports socialism, secularism and democracy and opposes imperialism and communalism. This party was formed in 1964. The party is critical of the new economic policies that allow free flow of foreign capital and goods in the country.

During the 1960s, China opposed certain policies of the Soviet Union which according to Mao Zedong were not left enough and considered Soviet to be a revisionist state while India established good relationships with the Soviets. The split happened on the backdrop of the Sino-Indian war, some of the members of the party supported the ideologies of the Soviet while others were pro-Chinese. Thus, the split in the CPI happened at the seventh congress of the Communist Party of India. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) was formed at this congress which was held in Kolkata.

Hence, The correct answer is option "B".

Note: The Communist Party of India is a rightist party which was in favour of the Soviet Union line while the Communist Party of India Marxist is a leftist party and took a pro-Chinese stand.