The CPM will launch its annual membership scrutiny drive in January 2026 to assess cadres’ activities, commitment, and eligibility for renewal. With membership drastically falling since 2018, the party aims to strengthen organisational discipline and rebuild its cadre base through systematic evaluation.
The opposition Communist Party of India (Marxist) is preparing to begin its annual membership scrutiny drive from January 2026, senior party leaders confirmed to Tripura Times. The evaluation process, carried out every year, is considered one of the CPM’s most structured organisational practices aimed at ensuring discipline, accountability, and ideological commitment within its ranks.
According to party insiders, the scrutiny is designed to examine the year-round activities, participation, and contributions of each member. Based on the findings, memberships are either renewed, kept on hold, or referred for further explanation. “It is the standard custom of the party,” said a senior CPM leader familiar with the process. “When the scrutiny is conducted, the activities of a party member throughout the year are reviewed. If the individual is deemed fit for renewal of the membership, it is done; otherwise, a notice is issued seeking explanation.”
The leader explained that every branch office maintains detailed records of a member’s political engagement. This includes the number of public meetings attended, participation in internal organisational gatherings, and whether the member has fulfilled responsibilities entrusted by local or regional committees. “If tick marks are placed on all the boxes, the membership is renewed,” the leader added.
Sharp Decline in Membership Since 2018
Sources within the party told Tripura Times that CPM’s overall membership strength has seen a dramatic fall over the past seven years. After being voted out of power in Tripura in 2018, the party reportedly faced difficulties in retaining and expanding its cadre base.
“The party recorded its highest membership in 2017, which was nearly 97,000,” a senior source said. “Compared to that stage, the total number of members now stands close to 37,000. This is a drastic fall, and rebuilding the strength has become a priority for the organisation.”
The 2026 scrutiny, therefore, is being viewed as not just a routine organisational procedure but also an opportunity to reinforce commitment, identify inactive cadres, and reorganise the structure based on performance and loyalty.
A Unique Multi-Stage Membership System
One of the key features that distinguishes the CPM from other political parties is its multi-tier membership structure. The party’s rules outline a step-by-step process through which an aspirant becomes a full-fledged member.
According to leaders, the process begins at the branch committee meeting where the names of individuals willing to join the party are first discussed. Once approved, the individual is inducted as an Auxiliary Member. This is considered the first level of association and involves observation and political training.
In the next phase, the individual becomes eligible to qualify as a Casual Member. Casual members can attend party meetings but are not yet granted the right to express opinions or influence decisions within those meetings. Their performance, discipline, and organisational behaviour continue to be monitored.
Once the phase of casual membership is successfully completed, the individual finally becomes a Permanent Member, gaining full rights and responsibilities within the party. “It takes around three years to become a Permanent Member from an Auxiliary Member,” a source said. “This gradual process ensures that only those who are truly committed to the ideology and organisational discipline rise through the ranks.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
With the next scrutiny cycle scheduled from January 2026, the CPM leadership is expected to place stronger emphasis on rebuilding grassroots networks, improving attendance in public programmes, and encouraging members to engage more actively in political work.
Party sources say that the renewed focus on discipline and participation is part of a broader strategy to revive its organisational strength in Tripura and other regions where its influence has waned. The scrutiny will also help the leadership identify areas where ideological training and political education need to be strengthened.
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As the CPM prepares for this extensive evaluation process, insiders believe that the 2026 scrutiny may become one of the most crucial membership assessments in recent years, given the sharp decline in numbers and the party’s ongoing efforts to regain political ground.
