[3] Prior to the formation of PSM Harish Boodhoo served as a Labour-CAM-PMSD MP from 1976 to 1979 where he repeatedly criticized actions of his own government.
The newly formed PSM held its first public meeting at Place du Quai in Port Louis and it was attended by around 4000 people.
New followers who publicly announced their membership of the party were Floryse Lamy (school teacher), Alain Coosnapen (mechanic at Highlands Sugar Estate), Allan Bhagmania (from Réunion Sugar Estate), Subash Ramdahen and Satianund Pahladi (councillors from Moka-Flacq).
In 1982 the PSM formed a coalition with Mouvement Militant Mauricien (MMM) which won the June 1982 General Elections.
Military intervention by India, in the form of Operation Lal Dora, had also nearly occurred as Finance Minister Paul Bérenger undermined his leader Anerood Jugnauth and Deputy PM Harish Boodhoo.