Protests have been reported in various countries following the "killing" of the banned CPI (Maoist) General Secretary Nambala Keshav Rao, who goes by the alias Basavaraju, and 26 others, in a massive gunbattle with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region in May third week. Demonstrations and events have been organised in Bangladesh, India (West Bengal), Turkey, Germany, and Italy. These gatherings were organized to denounce what participants described as extra-judicial killings and to express opposition to Operation Kagaar, a security operation carried out by the Indian government.
In Bangladesh, on May 31, a rally included the laying of a floral wreath and a minute of silence in memory of those killed in Operation Kagaar. The event was presided over by Hasan Fakri and featured speeches from members of political and student organizations, including the Shahid Biplobi O Deshpremik Smriti Sangsad, Revolutionary Student-Youth Movement, Maulana Bhasani Parishad, Gana Mukti Union, Khanon magazine, and others. Speakers criticized Operation Kagaar, stating that it targeted Maoist groups and the indigenous communities they claim to represent. They called for an end to the operation.
In Kolkata, India, from May 23 to 25, the Revolutionary Students Front held demonstrations at Jadavpur University, including wall writings and posters. These actions opposed Operation Kagaar and expressed solidarity with those killed. The organizers referenced historical figures and movements such as Bhagat Singh and the Naxalbari uprising, asserting continuity with current political struggles.
In Turkey, on May 31, a commemoration was held which included speeches, a video presentation on the People’s War in India, and a statement from the group Partizan. The statement described Operation Kagaar as an attempt by the Indian government to eliminate Maoist groups and transfer control of land and resources to corporate interests. It also drew parallels between state actions in India and Turkey. The event concluded with the recitation of the International Anthem and slogans in support of Maoism.
In Rome, on May 30, a protest was held outside the Indian Embassy. Participants condemned the killings and connected their demonstration with opposition to the Italian Security Decree, drawing a link between government actions in Italy and India.
Tricky search for next Maoist leader
Following the death of Basavaraju, questions have been raised about who his successor. The CPI (Maoist), a banned political party, has a hierarchical structure from village-level units to the politburo, with the general secretary holding significant authority. The organization's armed wing, the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA), and its United Front operate in coordination, guided by central committee meetings, which have become less frequent due to state operations, increasing the decision-making role of the politburo and general secretary.
Two figures are considered potential successors: Devji and Venugopal Rao, alias Bhupathy. Devji, head of the Central Military Commission, has a military background, having led the 2007 Geedam police station attack in Dantewada. He is recognized in regions like Bastar and Dantewada but may focus less on ideological aspects. Venugopal Rao, a Central Committee member and head of the central bureau overseeing operations in Chhattisgarh, North Telangana, Maharashtra, and Odisha, combines ideological and operational experience. His fluency in Telugu, Gondi, and Hindi aids communication in tribal areas, though his age, nearing 70, may pose challenges.
The CPI (Maoist) faces challenges, with its operational bureaus reduced from five to two—Central and Eastern—due to state pressure and intelligence operations. Bastar range Inspector General Sundar Raj Pattilingam suggests no cadre may replace Basavaraju, citing the organization’s weakened state, as seen in the absence of a successor for Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee secretary Ramanna since his 2019 death. The group may adopt decentralized leadership to enhance security, though this could affect ideological unity.
Despite setbacks, the CPI (Maoist) aims to continue its activities, as stated in its communications, and has called for memorial meetings from June 11 to August 3 to honor Basavaraju and others. However, questions have been raised about the organization's failure to address internal vulnerabilities, including state infiltration, and balance political and ideological efforts with operational activities to sustain its structure.
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*Freelance journalist
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