What The Death of Naxal Leader Basava Raju Signifies for the Future of the Maoist Movement
The demise of Basava Raju, who was the top leader of the CPI (Maoist) and a key planner for the movement, may lead to internal chaos and a crisis in leadership.
The assassination of Basava Raju, also referred to as Nambala Keshava Rao, represents one of the most impactful setbacks for leftist extremism in India in recent times. The 70-year-old leader of CPI (Maoist) was taken out by the District Reserve Guard (DRG), along with 25 other individuals, during an extensive security operation that unfolded over 50 hours in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh. This significant clash occurred shortly after the completion of the largest anti-Naxal initiative, spearheaded by CRPF Director General GP Singh.
Although the previous operation did not manage to take down high-ranking Maoist officials, the DRG's action succeeded in targeting the uppermost levels of Maoist leadership. The removal of Raju is viewed as a vital achievement, both in a tactical sense and as a symbolic victory.
Basava Raju was not just a prominent figure within the Maoist ranks — he served as the Supreme Commander of the CPI (Maoist) and was the primary strategist for the movement. Following the resignation of the movement’s founder, Ganapathi, in 2018, Raju assumed control, overseeing the group's most brutal activities and shaping its long-term strategy for insurgency.
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