Kolkata: Conceeding that there were ideological and political shortcomings among many of its new workers in West Bengal, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Sunday threatened stern action against those members who have strayed in principles and morals.

Smarting under the humiliation of a series of electoral setbacks over the last 18 months in the state, CPI-M general secretary Prakash Karat said that the foundations for entry of class values inimical to the party doctrines had become deeper.

Addressing members on the opening day of the two-day state committee meeting of the party, Karat said alongside economic liberalism, the market-driven capitalist values have become deeply entrenched in the society. "The impact of this philosophy is being felt in politics also. Influence of money power in politics has gone up to unprecedented levels".

At times, the party has also felt the damaging effects of participating in the election process and working with the bourgeoisie parties. "There is lack of the requisite ideological and political standards among new workers," he said.

Emphasising that the party can move ahead only by striking a balance between parliamentary and extra-parliamentary work, Karat said building up mass movements and the party stood neglected if the stress was only one parliamentary functions. "At times, such tendencies are seen".

The CPI-M leader asserted that democratic centralism was the fundamental organisational policy of a communist party and said no laxity can be shown on this.

"Party leaders and workers should strictly follow the communist values and living standards. If there is any deviation in principles and morals, stern steps must be taken again that," he added.

He said to keep the glorious history of the party intact, "rectification" and "purification" drives are needed, so that there is no dilution of the party's "revolutionary character".

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