It is perform or perish for CPI(M)

The CPI(M), which was once a political force to reckon with, seems to be dithering on participating in social movements, and identify the sentiments that can set the stage for revival of its political fortunes. Though the party has grown in terms of membership, the quality of leadership has gone down. The party leadership now has a major task to arrest the decline and undertake a thorough cleansing of the party at all levels to take the party forward. The deadwood in the party needs to be weeded out and the leaders have to either perform or perish. The process has just begun and it will take two years for a new CPI(M) to emerge, observes politburo member B V Raghavulu, in an exclusive interview to V Ramu Sarma

CPI(M) has suddenly started talking of caste-based reservations, BC sub-plan etc. Why this sudden love for social issues? RJD, BSP, SP had come into existence because of the failure of the left. What do you have to say about it?
We have learnt the hard way that CPI(M) has to work out what it has to offer to rural and urban youth, the working poor, Dalits and Maha Dalits, tribal communities, minorities and women especially. We have to come out of the old system where leaders come for party meetings and mass rallies only and get closer to the people.

The Plenum has, therefore, decided to clear out the accumulated debris and start afresh by ratcheting up its war against communal forces, social oppression and "not just economic exploitation." The CPI(M)'s biggest problem since 2008 has been its inability to reconnect to its core constituencies in rural and urban areas.

• Soothing colours: Colours that are more soothing in nature and bring calmness to the mind, will be popular. Expect shades like blush, powder blue, soft pink, white, rose quartz and serenity blue to stand out in the racks.
• 3D embroidery: Get a 3D effect with fabrics, embossed look, and velvet and burnt out texture, crafted textures.
• Prints and patterns: Get yourself set to patchwork power and clashes of prints. One will see a lot of vintage arts being used in contemporary way. There will also be a lot of washes and treatments on fabrics such as stone wash and other chemical wash. Also, while floral prints dominated last year, psychadelic and geometric prints will be a welcome break complementing androgynous trends.
• Organic fashion: Every year the focus on organic fashion will be more and 2016 will surely be a year for it to be noticed. A lot of focus is already being made towards it.
• Trend in stoles: In 2016, from geometric patterns to bold florals and abstract ones -- there is a lot to draw inspiration from. Tropical florals are perfect for 2016 and one of the colour trends that we are bound to see is an aquatic one. Aqua and turquoise will be popular along with salmon, pistachio and yellow colours.

Even in men's fashion, there will be some remarkable trends as men have become more adventurous:

• Tuxedos is one classic menswear that will rule.
• Even donning drapes won’t be a surprise in 2016. A lot of men are already wearing cowl trousers, drop crotch trousers and this will be more in trend.
• A lot of influence of sportswear will be seen, especially with Olympics slated to be held this year. The crop-fitted jackets will surely make way in men’s wardrobe.
• Colours such as mauve, greyish pink, powder blue, royal blue and teal are the colours to watch out apart from the regulars like white, black, grey and blue.
• Accessories like pocket squares, ties, bows, belts, socks and shoes will be more in focus than ever before.
• Washed out denims will continue to be a man’s best friend.