Should Telangana Politicians Cut Ties with Maoists?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar warns Telangana politicians against ties with Maoists.
- The Central government is committed to eradicating Naxalism by March 31, 2026.
- Over 2,100 Maoists have surrendered this year.
- Allegations of collusion between politicians and Maoists raise serious concerns.
- The government emphasizes accountability in the fight against extremism.
Hyderabad, Oct 19 (NationPress) Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar issued a stern warning to politicians in Telangana regarding their alleged connections with the Maoists on Sunday.
Utilizing the platform 'X', the minister cautioned, "Telangana politicians—take this as a serious warning. Those purportedly endorsing armed groups while advocating for democracy on public stages must sever ties or face exposure. Central agencies are not limited to targeting Maoist members alone," he stated.
Bandi Sanjay emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the government is diligently investigating the networks that protect corruption, crime, and extremist affiliations, with a commitment to eliminate them without compassion.
"No matter who you are or how influential you believe yourself to be—if you are part of the issue, it’s time to step back. In terms of our nation's internal security, even the most prominent leaders will be held accountable if they choose the wrong side," wrote Bandi Sanjay.
This warning from the MoS follows claims made by senior Maoist leader Mallojula Venugopal, also known as Bhupathi, after his recent surrender in Maharashtra, asserting that there is a covert alliance between a faction of the CPI (Maoist) and specific politicians in Telangana.
Bhupathi, a politburo member of the CPI (Maoist), surrendered alongside 60 other cadres to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on October 15 and reportedly informed law enforcement that internal conflicts are causing the Maoist party to disintegrate.
Having a bounty of Rs 6 crore on his head, he declared that the organization had deviated from its foundational mission of advocating for the rights of tribals and impoverished rural communities.
He revealed that a faction within the party's Telangana State Committee operates with the clandestine protection of certain Telangana politicians.
In response to a rise in Maoist surrenders, Bandi Sanjay previously tweeted that Naxalism is on the decline.
On October 16, he mentioned that over 2,100 Maoists have surrendered since January 2024, with an additional 1,785 arrested and 477 neutralized. He noted that the surrender of 258 cadres within a span of two days in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra indicates a resolute decision by the Central government.
"We remain dedicated to eradicating Naxalism by March 31, 2026," he concluded.