Where does CPI(M) stand on AI? Weeks after sounding alarm, Left party uses AI video of late Kerala CM E K Nayanar

Earlier this month, addressing the party’s district conference in Idukki, CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan predicted mass agitations and movements against AI. “What happens when AI is used? The profit of monopoly capitalism will increase manifold and a situation will emerge in which job losses, even up to 60%, will happen, as they (the proponents of AI) predict. The manufacturing tools that will emerge as part of AI technology will go into the hands of corporations and the rich. This will aggravate the crisis,” he said.

Govindan was the first politician in Kerala to warn against the potential fallout of AI. In conferences in other districts, too, Govindan highlighted the “perils of AI”.

In the draft political resolution for the 24th Party Congress published in January, the CPI(M) called for robust regulation of AI to ensure it serves people’s interests and protects their rights.

Referring to the global economy, the resolution said, “AI tools/systems have become so powerful today that … working people in many sectors will have to fight threats to their jobs. AI systems are deployed to manage access to services and benefits, raising concerns about making crucial decisions on people’s lives without involving people … There is a critical need for robust regulation in AI development to ensure that it serves people’s interests and protects their rights.”

While the CPI(M) in Kerala has been wary about AI, its West Bengal unit has been far more open to using AI tools. Last year, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the CPI(M) introduced an AI anchor called “Samata”, meaning equality, for its campaigns. A CPI(M) leader associated with the party’s digital platform said at the time, “We had used AI technology earlier, too. Now, we are using this experimentally. During elections, we will use this technology in anchoring.”

During the Lok Sabha elections, the CPI(M) shared a video of Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, a three-time Bengal CM, generated using AI in which the leader urged voters to support the Left and secular forces.

In the video, titled “ei bhabeo phire asha jaay (one can make a comeback this way too)”, Bhattacharya’s AI avatar spoke on issues ranging from the Sandeshkhali violence to unemployment and allegations of corruption in Bengal, attacking the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The video also targeted the BJP-ruled Centre over demonetisation, electoral bonds, and inflation. Bhattacharya, who was not keeping well at the time the video was released, passed away in August 2024.

Other parties, however, targeted the CPI(M) over its use of AI tools since the party has a history of opposing mechanisation and computerisation in West Bengal. Between 1960 and 1990, the CPI(M) had a strong reservation about automation in several fields. In West Bengal, the party organised a strong movement against automation in banks and the Life Insurance Corporation.