One party, AI, and two stance

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the world, sparking both excitement and apprehension.

But within the CPI(M), the divide isn’t just about AI’s potential—it’s about how to approach it.

In a striking contrast, the party's Kerala and West Bengal units stand at opposite ends of the debate.

While Bengal embraces AI as a tool to reclaim lost political ground—creating a digital avatar of a revered leader and even an AI-powered anchor—the Kerala chapter remains wary, viewing it as a capitalist instrument of exploitation.

This stark difference in ideology raises a compelling question: Is AI a political ally or a threat?

Also, the Kerala chapter’s apprehension also results in a throwback of its hostility towards typewriters, tractors and computer.

Will AI usher in socialism or widen wealth disparities?

The debate was ignited by none other than CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan, who is known for his expertise in philosophical analysis of various topics.

However, it seems, he got stumbled when it comes to AI and he continues his theoretical exploration on the topic.

Initially he claimed AI would usher in socialism—only to backtrack within days, warning instead of its potential for wealth accumulation and exploitation.

Ironically, this conceptual analysis comes at a time when the Left government is actively pitching Kerala as an emerging AI hub, with the Industries Department, handled by CPI(M), pushing for policies to build a robust AI ecosystem.

Speaking at two separate events recently, Govindan offered a thought-provoking yet seemingly contradictory take on AI and its socio-economic implications.

He initially presented AI as a catalyst for socialism but later warned that it could lead to exploitation and increased economic inequality.

?Addressing a gathering at the CPI(M) Thaliparambu area committee office on 30 January, ahead of the party’s district conference, Govindan argued that AI could set the stage for a socialist transformation.

He dismissed claims that Marxism would become irrelevant in an AI-driven world, instead suggesting that AI, predominantly controlled by capitalist forces, would displace up to 60% of the workforce.

This, he said, would trigger a crisis of capital, as described by Karl Marx.

“With most workers replaced by AI, nearly 60% of people would lose their purchasing power. The bourgeoisie may accumulate immense wealth, but without a sufficient market for their products, the crisis will deepen. Eventually, this would necessitate the redistribution of wealth, laying the foundation for socialism,” Govindan explained.

He, however, clarified that such a transformation would not happen overnight but could take a century or two to materialize.

However, just days later, on 4 February, while inaugurating the CPI(M) Idukki district conference delegates’ meeting in Thodupuzha, Govindan seemed to reconsider his position, sounding an alarm over the risks posed by AI. He warned that AI would lead to the consolidation of wealth in corporate hands and exacerbate unemployment on a massive scale.

“If wealth continues to concentrate in a few hands, the country could witness over 60% of its population unemployed, significantly weakening their purchasing power,” he cautioned.

“In Kerala itself, 87% of wealth is controlled by just 10% of people, while half of the population owns a mere 3% of the wealth. AI’s influence in society will only deepen these inequalities," he observed.

His words sparked a social media meltdown, with trolls and critics alike descending upon him.

Shamseer's take

Soon after, Assembly Speaker A N Shamseer joined the chorus, calling AI a looming threat to every sector.

At the Cable TV Operators Association’s convention on 5 February, Kerala Assembly Speaker A.N. Shamseer weighed in on the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), warning that it poses a threat to almost every sector.

"Take the case of Chile," he said. "They widely embraced AI, but now they have started imposing restrictions. AI is making its way into every field. While we can choose to harness its benefits, we must also recognize its risks—because where there is light, there is also shadow."

Shamseer was referring to Chile’s National Policy on Artificial Intelligence, introduced in 2021. The policy aimed to foster AI development responsibly while ensuring that citizens understood both its opportunities and its risks. However, by 2024, the country had moved to tighten AI regulations, introducing a bill that enforces key principles such as human oversight, data privacy, transparency, and explainability.

Bengal embracing AI

In a striking contrast to its Kerala faction’s cautious approach toward artificial intelligence, the CPI(M) in West Bengal has fully embraced the technology.

The party was found integrating it into its election strategy for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

The party introduced Samata, an AI-powered news anchor—its name symbolizing equality—to host Focus on Bengal, a programme dedicated to analyzing the state’s political landscape.

Going beyond just election updates, Samata also served as a tool for ideological training, educating party cadres on subjects like Marx and Marxism.

In a bold technological leap, the party even created a digital avatar of former Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, using it as a campaign asset to connect with voters, when the ailing leader was limited to his home.

This innovative blend of AI and politics marks a significant shift for the Left in Bengal, which once launched staunch protests against technology especially in the 1970s against computer.

Sparking debates within and outside

The ongoing debate surrounding AI has ignited discussions both within the CPI(M) and outside, with party leaders divided over its implications.

While Govindan’s remarks on AI resonated with some, others believe the discourse is unnecessary—especially given Kerala’s ambition to become an AI hub.

"AI has the potential to revolutionize industries and improve our lives in countless ways," said a senior CPI(M) leader.

"However, this technological revolution is not without its shadows. We must also acknowledge the risks,” added the leader.

One of the biggest concerns is job displacement.

As AI systems grow more sophisticated, they could automate many human-performed tasks, potentially leading to widespread unemployment and deepening economic inequality.

"The fear is that AI will primarily benefit the already wealthy while leaving the rest of us behind," the leader warned. "We need to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared equitably."

Another CPI(M) leader with a district committee, however, cautioned that the debate could be weaponized by Kerala’s critics:

"This discussion will be taken up by Kerala haters, who will spice it up and spread the narrative that the state is hostile to AI. Various platforms will highlight it as yet another reason why Kerala is a dangerous place for business and technology. Such perceptions can only exacerbate our struggles in attracting investors and innovators."

Adarsh S, an engineering student and left sympathizer, emphasized AI’s transformative potential:

"AI is poised to revolutionize every aspect of life, from the mundane to the extraordinary. It is already reshaping industries like healthcare, finance, and transportation, driving efficiency and innovation. In the future, AI will continue to evolve, unlocking new frontiers of human knowledge and prosperity."

However, he added, "My personal opinion is that this was an unwanted discussion—especially when CPI(M) is accused of being hostile to technology and mechanization."

Joseph C Mathew, former IT adviser to Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, was more blunt:

"I would say this was an unnecessary debate. I don’t think Govindan or Shamseer fully understand the AI world. Internationally, even top technocrats are divided on AI’s impact. These statements should not be taken seriously. Frankly, it's a joke."

As the top leaders of the ruling party grapples with the complexities of AI, the bigger battle may not be technological but perceptual—ensuring that caution isn’t mistaken for hostility and that debate doesn’t become a deterrent to investments.

Published by South First - AI and CPI(M): A tale of two states, two strategies, and one big debate - The South First

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