A known fighter, this Naxalite's contributions spanned poetry, political theory, activism

By Harsh Thakor* 

Azizul Haque, former head of the CPI(ML)’s Second Central Committee and a prominent figure during the Naxalite movement in India, has passed away at the age of 83. He had been battling illness and was recently admitted to intensive care after a fall at home.

Born in Howrah in 1942, Haque joined the undivided Communist Party at the age of 17. He was injured during the food movement protests in West Bengal. Over the years, he became closely associated with leaders such as Charu Mazumdar and Kanai Chatterjee, aligning with the radical ideology that defined the early Naxalite period.

Haque was expelled from the CPI(M) for advocating Charu Mazumdar’s revolutionary line. He went on to co-found the CPI(ML)’s Second Central Committee with Nishith Bhattacharya, following Mahadev Mukherjee’s earlier leadership. This faction sought to implement parallel governance structures in parts of rural Bengal and Bihar during the late 1970s, prior to its expulsion following a ceasefire with the West Bengal government.

Throughout his political career, Haque remained critical of those within the broader Left movement whom he believed had deviated toward parliamentary politics. He was also known for not publicly distancing himself from controversial elements of the movement’s early years, including the policy of annihilation of class enemies and the rejection of mass organizations.

Haque was arrested several times during his lifetime, spending a total of nearly 18 years in prison. His first arrest came in 1970 in connection with the Parvathipuram conspiracy case. He was released in 1977, but was re-arrested in 1982, a move that drew criticism from within the ruling Left Front. He was eventually released again in 1989.

His experiences in jail formed the basis for his book Karagare Atharo Bochor (Eighteen Years in Jail), considered a significant account of the Naxalite movement and prison life during that era. He also authored Naxalbari: Tirish Bochor Aage ebong Pare (Naxalbari: Thirty Years Before and After), among other writings.

In later years, Haque began to express views diverging from hardline Naxalism. Notably, he supported the CPI(M)'s industrial policy in Singur in 2006, a position that placed him at odds with several former colleagues.

Even after stepping back from active politics, Haque continued to write and speak on contemporary political and social issues, including opposition to religious polarization and right-wing political movements.

His death was marked by condolences from various quarters. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee posted on social media describing Haque as a "fighter" in recognition of his long political life.

Azizul Haque’s contributions spanned poetry, political theory, and activism. He remained a notable figure in West Bengal’s political discourse well into his later years.

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*Freelance journalist