CPM's 20th Congress begins today in Kozhikode

They were routed in the general elections of 2009. They lost West Bengal and Kerala last year. And this March, in the Assembly polls, they couldn't win a single seat. This is the reality before the CPM today as it begins its 20th party Congress in Kozhikode. On the eve of the event, there were celebrations on the beach, with fireworks and flag hoisting turning the skyline red. But for six days starting today, party delegates from across the country will brainstorm at mostly closed door sessions to chalk their future path and finalise three resolutions that will guide the party in the coming years - the political, the organisational and the ideological resolutions.