CPM's Surprising Social Media Shift: The Hue That Sparked Laughter
Kolkata: CPM (Communist Party of India) stirred up a social media storm recently by swapping its iconic red hues for a blue-and-white sky backdrop featuring a yellow hammer-and-sickle in their display picture on Facebook and Instagram. The move, seen as an unexpected twist, has become the talk of the virtual world. According to Times of India, this change has unleashed a wave of humorous and sarcastic reactions from netizens.
A Playful Departure from Tradition
The CPM logo, once a fiery red synonymous with socialism and revolution, now mimics the aesthetic reminiscent of CPM’s political rival, the Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee. The change has invited mirth as it mirrors Banerjee’s signature color scheme. What’s more intriguing is that the usual red has vanished entirely, prompting quick-witted comments and trolls from social media users.
Online Reactions Pour In
Social media platforms witnessed an inundation of quips and satire. On Instagram alone, CPM’s Bengal unit account “cpimwb” flaunts 81,300 followers and amassed 13 comments, while its Facebook counterpart with 4,67,000 followers attracted 1,100 comments.
Netizen Soumik Das, for example, couldn’t resist referencing a popular Bangla song, “Firbe na aar se firbe na (It will not return),” summarizing the sentiment surrounding the party’s standing in Bengal.
The Decline of a Once-Dominant Force
CPM ruled Bengal from 1977 to 2011 but has seen a decline in influence. While still the major opposition party in 2016, the 2019 Lok Sabha polls marked a steady dip in votes. The 2024 election results reflected a meager 5.7% of the votes, a substantial drop from earlier standings. Sujan Chakraborty, a senior party member, played down the hullabaloo by emphasizing that the party frequently updates its social media imagery and reassured the public of their unwavering objectives against exploitation.
Responses Within CPM
While some members dismissed the furor, others pointed out the irony reflected in the virtual engagement, especially when shared by supporters of their political adversary, Trinamool Congress. Member Satarup Ghosh cynically noted the widespread circulation of the new image by opposition supporters, viewing it as a testament to the logo’s effectiveness.
A Legacy Intertwined with Symbolism
Historically, the red flag symbolized revolutionary fervor, starting with the Jacobins. Over time, it has become emblematic of communism. Blogger Anirban Hati used an insightful analogy, recalling criticisms over Arundhati Roy’s “God of Small Things,” to reflect on today’s left landscape.
The story of CPM’s unexpected logo change isn’t just about hues but signifies evolving strategies and the enduring political narrative in Bengal.
