M. K. Stalin vs Palmiro Togliatti

Stalin expanded the Kalaignar health insurance scheme, providing free medical coverage up to Rs 5 lakh per family. The program covered all government hospitals and empaneled private hospitals, benefiting millions.

Stalin led the DMK to a landslide victory in the 2021 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, defeating the AIADMK. He became Chief Minister, succeeding Edappadi K. Palaniswami, and promised welfare and development.

Stalin introduced the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme, providing free nutritious breakfast to primary school students in government schools. The program aimed to improve nutrition and school attendance.

Stalin's government passed legislation to ban online gambling and regulate online games in Tamil Nadu. The act aimed to curb addiction and financial losses, but faced legal challenges on grounds of freedom of trade.

Stalin forged a strong alliance with the Indian National Congress and other opposition parties for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The DMK-led alliance won 39 out of 39 seats in Tamil Nadu, strengthening the opposition bloc.

Togliatti was a founding member of the Italian Communist Party (PCI) at its congress in Livorno. The party split from the Socialist Party over adherence to the Comintern. Togliatti became a central leader, guiding the party through the Fascist period and exile.

Togliatti, returning from exile in the Soviet Union, announced the 'Salerno Turn'

Togliatti was shot and seriously wounded by a right-wing student outside the Italian Parliament. The attack triggered a general strike and widespread protests, but the PCI leadership called for calm to avoid civil war. Togliatti survived and returned to lead the party.

After Khrushchev's secret speech denouncing Stalin, Togliatti developed the theory of 'polycentrism' in the communist movement. He argued for national paths to socialism independent of Moscow. This doctrine influenced the Eurocommunist movement and distanced the PCI from Soviet control.