Left Cries for Maoists

The death of Maoist leader Nambala Keshava Rao (Basavaraju) in an encounter in Narayanpur in Chhattisgarh on May 21 marked a major success in anti-Maoist operations. While the death of Basavaraju indicates improved levels of intelligence gathering and the sheer physical presence of Central and state forces in remote areas, the development was greeted with alarm and dismay by Left parties. CPM and CPI condemned the “cold blooded” killing of the top Maoist, describing it as an “extrajudicial” act that qualified as “state violence”. They expressed concern about Maoist leaders being eliminated despite offering talks with the Centre. Labelling the deaths of Basavaraju and other senior Maoist leaders as extrajudicial ignores the fact that the ultras have been waging an armed struggle against the Indian state they have pledged to overthrow. Ambushes against security forces over the years have been justified by Maoists as a consequence of state “suppression”. The statements by Left parties and other sympathisers is evidence of the powerful ‘overground’ support system that works for Maoists, providing political, legal and intellectual cover for their violent insurrection. It’s this ecosystem that sustained the Maoist underground ven as Left parties maintain they don’t support the violent overthrow of parliamentary democracy. Demands that the Centre pause its campaign have grown shriller, alternating between decrying the actions of a “majoritarian” government and abjectly supplicating gestures. The tactic of engaging in negotiations to recoup and rearm has run its course. The number of Maoist surrenders is increasing and local residents are willing to provide more information about the activities of the insurgents than earlier.

Who Will Lead BJP?

The Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor further delayed a decision on the next BJP president but the process should not take long now. Deliberations within BJP and with RSS had progressed when events intervened. Now, the remaining hurdles like appointments of a few new state chiefs are expected to be taken care of. This means the extended presidency of JP Nadda might finally end. There are, however, no clues as to who will be party chief and no one is betting on the odds or a name. The usual considerations of region, backward caste representation and gender are engaging the grapevine.

A Boost in Bihar

The fresh upheaval in the Lalu Prasad household with the ‘expulsion’ of Tej Pratap has dominated all talk in Patna while social media is abuzz with speculation. Tej Pratap’s maverick ways have often sparked controversies but a recent post, subsequently deleted, about a relationship set off a furore. The ferment has put the focus back on the Bihar clan. Although the Assembly election is months away, the family turmoil does not augur well for RJD as it reinforces the BJP-JDU claim that the party is steeped in nepotism and that social justice slogans are empty words.

Owaisi Is a Hit

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi has gained a new following and the sense of surprise might work both ways. After the Pahalgam attack, Owaisi has spared no effort in condemning Pakistan and described the killers who shot dead innocent tourists as Shayateen, referring to evil spirits. He was drafted as part of parliamentary delegations visiting foreign capitals to explain India’s Operation Sindoor and the strikes on terror and military facilities in Pakistan. If this marks anything more than a thaw between Owaisi and his usual critics remains to be seen, but in the meanwhile he is proving a very effective ambassador for India.

Gogoi’s Battle

Congress appointed Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi as Assam state chief despite the leader facing a barrage of attacks from BJP for his wife’s alleged connections with an organisation with links to Pakistan. The decision to back Gogoi reflects Congress’ preparedness to take on BJP and perhaps sends a signal to minorities that the party banks on. The appointment is a test for Gogoi, too, as he is pitted against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma who has succeeded in keeping Congress on the backfoot and dominates state politics.

Son Rise in PMK

An interesting tussle is playing out between PMK founder S Ramadoss and his son Anbumani, who was health minister in the Manmohan Singh government. Ramadoss Jr is ‘president’ of the party and refuses to accept his father’s demand to relinquish the post. Ramadoss Sr is keen to be in charge ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly election due in 2026 but Anbumani believes a generational change in leadership cannot be reversed. PMK draws support from the Vanniyar community in northern Tamil Nadu and was part of the BJP-led NDA in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. NDA did not win seats in the state but the addition of AIADMK makes the alliance more
potent. Hence the tussle for control within PMK.

Women of Operation Sindoor

Women’s participation in Operation Sindoor reveals their growing role in the security forces. BSF Inspector General, Jammu, Shashank Anand said that though women were given the option of not serving in forward posts, many chose to do so. Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari commanded a forward post, Constable Manjit Kaur, Constable Malkit Kaur, Constable Jyoti, Constable Sampa and Constable Swapna and others were deployed in operations against Pakistan, the BSF officer said.

Asaduddin OwaisiIndian politicsMaoismOperation Sindoor