HYDERABAD: The killing of CPI (Maoist) general secretary Basavaraju in a gunfight Wednesday left the outlawed insurgent group without a leader for the first time in decades. His death comes as govt forces ramp up coordinated offensives across Maoist strongholds, putting unprecedented pressure on the dwindling movement.
The 70-year-old Basavaraju's death has created a major void in CPI (Maoist)'s top ranks, especially within apex decision-making bodies - central committee and politburo. Focus now shifts to succession, with two seniors emerging as frontrunners: Mallojula Venugopal alias Sonu, and Thippiri Tirupati alias Devji.
Venugopal, 69, a Brahmin from Telangana with a BCom degree, is viewed as a seasoned ideologue. He previously served as party spokesperson and remains a key political strategist.
Tirupati, 60, hails from Telangana's Madiga scheduled caste community and sits on the Maoist group's central military commission. A senior Telangana police officer said his rise reflects internal discontent over upper-caste dominance in leadership.
"There was growing pressure within the organisation to ensure caste diversity in leadership. It now remains to be seen whether the party sticks to that line or opts for a more politically seasoned figure like Venugopal," the officer said.
Other names in circulation include Kadari Satyanarayana Reddy, though he lacks influence, and Malla Raji Reddy, considered too old and arrested earlier.
Analysts said Basavaraju's death could further fragment an already weakened insurgency. The next general secretary will inherit a demoralised cadre split between calls for peace talks, urban operations, and continued armed struggle.
Former chief Ganapathy remains underground but disconnected. Leaders like K Ramchandra Reddy, Misir Besra, and Pothula Kalpana remain under heavy surveillance.
With top commanders under pressure and ranks in disarray, the Maoist movement faces a critical juncture in leadership and direction.
The 70-year-old Basavaraju's death has created a major void in CPI (Maoist)'s top ranks, especially within apex decision-making bodies - central committee and politburo. Focus now shifts to succession, with two seniors emerging as frontrunners: Mallojula Venugopal alias Sonu, and Thippiri Tirupati alias Devji.
Venugopal, 69, a Brahmin from Telangana with a BCom degree, is viewed as a seasoned ideologue. He previously served as party spokesperson and remains a key political strategist.
Tirupati, 60, hails from Telangana's Madiga scheduled caste community and sits on the Maoist group's central military commission. A senior Telangana police officer said his rise reflects internal discontent over upper-caste dominance in leadership.
"There was growing pressure within the organisation to ensure caste diversity in leadership. It now remains to be seen whether the party sticks to that line or opts for a more politically seasoned figure like Venugopal," the officer said.
Other names in circulation include Kadari Satyanarayana Reddy, though he lacks influence, and Malla Raji Reddy, considered too old and arrested earlier.
Analysts said Basavaraju's death could further fragment an already weakened insurgency. The next general secretary will inherit a demoralised cadre split between calls for peace talks, urban operations, and continued armed struggle.
Former chief Ganapathy remains underground but disconnected. Leaders like K Ramchandra Reddy, Misir Besra, and Pothula Kalpana remain under heavy surveillance.
With top commanders under pressure and ranks in disarray, the Maoist movement faces a critical juncture in leadership and direction.
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