Leadership Vacuum in CPI (Maoist) as Basavaraju Dies

HYDERABAD: The death of CPI (Maoist) general secretary Basavaraju has left the outlawed insurgent group without a leader for the first time in decades, marking a critical turning point for the movement. His demise comes amid intensified government operations targeting Maoist strongholds, placing significant pressure on the group’s remaining members.

Basavaraju, a 70-year-old leader, had been a central figure in the party’s leadership, particularly within the central committee and politburo. His death has created a leadership vacuum, prompting a search for a new general secretary. Two senior figures are currently emerging as frontrunners: Mallojula Venugopal alias Sonu and Thippiri Tirupati alias Devji.

Venugopal, 69, is a Brahmin from Telangana with a BCom degree and has been a key political strategist in the party. He previously served as the party’s spokesperson and is seen as a seasoned ideologue. On the other hand, Tirupati, 60, is from Telangana’s Madiga scheduled caste community and sits on the Maoist group’s central military commission. His rise has been attributed to growing internal discontent over the perceived dominance of upper-caste leaders within the party.

A senior Telangana police officer noted that the movement’s leadership is under pressure to ensure caste diversity in its ranks. The officer said, ‘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.’ Other names in the running include Kadari Satyanarayana Reddy, though he lacks influence, and Malla Raji Reddy, who is considered too old and has been arrested previously.

Analysts believe that Basavaraju’s death could further fragment the already weakened insurgency. The next general secretary will inherit a demoralised cadre, with divisions within the group over calls for peace talks, urban operations, and continued armed struggle. Former chief Ganapathy remains underground but is disconnected from the leadership. Other prominent leaders, such as K Ramchandra Reddy, Misir Besra, and Pothula Kalpana, are under heavy surveillance.

As top commanders face pressure and the ranks of the Maoist movement become increasingly disorganized, the group is at a critical juncture in terms of leadership and direction. The outcome of this leadership transition could significantly impact the future of the insurgency in the region.