Maoists know the importance of the state. Could the same be said of the Centre?

Maoist supreme commander Ganapathi on the Naxal push into urban spaces, Rahul Gandhi's role in Vedanta’s Niyamgiri project and much more

During a recent trip to a Maoist base in Dandakaranya, Rahul Pandita had left a questionnaire for Maoist Supreme Commander Mupalla Laxman Rao alias Ganapathi, who had given him exclusive access last year for an interview (see ‘We Shall Certainly Defeat the Government’, 23 October 2009), his first ever. This time, Ganapathi has sent his replies in writing, covering a vast range of issues from Maoist leader Azad’s death and Rahul Gandhi’s role in Vedanta’s Niyamgiri project, to Maoist violence, their push into urban spaces, middle-class fears of their agenda, and chances of talks with the Centre. Excerpts:

Maoist supreme commander Mupalla Laxman Rao, alias Ganapathi, responds to Open's questionnaire. An unabridged version of his written responses

Doing one thing and saying another is the signature tune of the Thackeray family. Take a look at young Aditya Thackeray’s record

When it comes to Naxal literature, the outsider’s gaze inevitably seems touristy and impatient. Turn to the accounts of insiders for the real thing

Between the Clinton and Obama visits, US perceptions of Indian security haven’t changed

The battle of a ghazal singer to rediscover himself and his art away from the spotlight

The Centre’s interlocutors lack what is needed for useful talks

Slightly built they may be, but you’d be a fool to take them lightly. Battle-hardened, fiercely committed to their cause and proud of the identity the movement gives them, the woman Maoists here are every bit as fierce as their male comrades.