Decline of Maoist Leadership Amid Government Push to Eradicate Naxalism
As the Union government approaches its self-imposed deadline to eliminate Left Wing Extremism (LWE), commonly known as Naxalism, significant changes are unfolding within the ranks of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) [CPI(Maoist)]. Recent assessments indicate a drastic reduction in the party’s leadership, with only three politburo members remaining, two of whom are reportedly active. This decline is attributed to a combination of government pressure, internal discord, and strategic surrenders.
A Shrinking Leadership
According to officials familiar with the situation, the CPI(Maoist) has seen its leadership dwindle from a peak of 40-45 central committee members between 2003 and 2010 to just three politburo members today. The politburo serves as the highest decision-making body within the party, and its current state reflects the challenges the organization faces. Notably, Mupalla Lakshman Rao, alias Ganapathy, one of India’s most wanted individuals, is no longer active, leaving only two members-Thippary Tirupati, alias Sanjeev, and Misir Besra, alias Bhaskar-who are still engaged in the party’s operations.
The recent surrender of Mallojula Venugopal Rao, alias Bhupathi, alongside 60 other cadres, underscores the growing disarray within the CPI(Maoist). Bhupathi’s actions, including a letter suggesting a ceasefire, have been met with skepticism from other factions within the party, indicating a lack of unified direction.
Internal Strife and Leadership Changes
The death of Basavaraju, alias Nambala Keshava Rao, the former general secretary of the CPI(Maoist), on May 21 has further exacerbated the party’s internal divisions. Following his death, the organization has struggled to maintain cohesion, as evidenced by conflicting statements regarding ceasefire proposals. The discord among leadership factions has made it increasingly difficult for the party to mount a cohesive response to government operations.
The two remaining active politburo members, Tirupati and Besra, face their own challenges. Reports indicate that Besra is in poor health, which raises questions about the future leadership of the party. The remaining six central committee members, including Pullari Prasad Rao and Anil Da, are also under scrutiny as the government intensifies its anti-Naxal operations.
Government Strategy and Operations
The Union government has set a deadline of March 31, 2026, to eradicate Naxalism from India. In pursuit of this goal, police and central armed security forces have ramped up anti-Naxal operations, particularly in Chhattisgarh, a state that has been a hotbed of Maoist activity. This year alone, the government has reported the deaths of several key figures within the CPI(Maoist), including Basavaraju and eight other central committee members.
The government’s strategy appears to be yielding results. The Union Home Ministry recently announced a reduction in the number of districts classified as severely affected by Naxalism, dropping from six to three-Bijapur, Sukma, and Narayanpur, all located in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. Additionally, the total number of districts affected by LWE has decreased from 18 to just 11.
Surrender and Reintegration Efforts
The recent wave of surrenders highlights the shifting dynamics within the Maoist ranks. On the same day that Bhupathi surrendered, 50 other cadres laid down their arms in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district, with expectations that an additional 120 would follow suit in Bijapur. The government is actively engaging in talks with these individuals, aiming to facilitate their reintegration into society.
The Union government has emphasized its commitment to eradicating the Naxal threat, citing operational successes that have surpassed previous records. In a statement, the government reported that 312 LWE cadres have been eliminated, 836 have been arrested, and 1,639 have surrendered and joined the mainstream this year alone. This marks a significant shift from 2013, when 126 districts reported Naxal-related violence.
Historical Context and Future Implications
The roots of Naxalism in India can be traced back to the 1960s, when agrarian discontent and socio-economic inequalities led to the rise of armed resistance in rural areas. Over the decades, the movement has evolved, with various factions emerging and splintering. The current decline of the CPI(Maoist) leadership is a pivotal moment in this long-standing conflict, as it reflects both the effectiveness of government strategies and the internal challenges faced by the movement.
The government’s focus on eradicating Naxalism is not merely a security issue; it also encompasses broader socio-economic concerns. Addressing the underlying grievances that fuel the movement-such as land rights, poverty, and lack of development-will be crucial for achieving lasting peace in affected regions.
Conclusion
As the Union government continues its campaign against Naxalism, the diminishing leadership of the CPI(Maoist) presents both challenges and opportunities. The internal strife within the party, coupled with strategic surrenders, indicates a potential turning point in the long-standing conflict. However, the path to complete eradication of Naxalism will require not only military action but also a comprehensive approach to address the socio-economic issues that have historically fueled the movement. The coming months will be critical in determining the future of both the CPI(Maoist) and the broader landscape of Left Wing Extremism in India.
