Basavaraju's killing leaves Maoists without a leader in decades

The death of CPI(Maoist) General Secretary Nambala Keshava Rao alias Basavaraju in an anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district on Wednesday has rendered the insurgent group without a proper leadership for the first time in decades.

Basavaraju’s death has created a void in the Communist Party of India (Maoist) central leadership, which was usually the powerhouse of decision-making. The Naxal leader was part of the group’s central committee and politburo.

He was among the 27 Maoists who were killed in a fierce encounter yesterday that was later hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised security forces for their “remarkable success.”

Who was Basavaraju?

Hailing from Andhra Pradesh, Basavaraju was considered the top leader and ideological backbone of the Naxal movement. His death marks a pivotal success in anti-Naxal operations.

In his early 70s, Basavaraju held a B.Tech degree and was known for orchestrating numerous deadly attacks on security forces. He carried a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head in Chhattisgarh alone.

More from India

At least 26 Naxalites killed in encounter in Chhattisgarh. Who was Basava Raju, top Naxal commander killed in Operation ‘Black Forest’ in Chhattisgarh?

He was also the main planner behind the Alipiri bomb attack on then-Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu on October 1, 2003.

Basavaraju was known for creating guerrilla strategies for Naxal attacks and had expertise in planting IEDs.

Who will succeed him?

There are several names on the slate to succeed Basavaraju, a process the members of CPI(M) were able to avoid for several decades.

• Mallojula Venugopal alias Sonu, 69, is one of the frontrunners. A Brahmin from Telangana with a BCom degree, Sonu is viewed as a seasoned ideologue. He has served as CPI(M)’s official spokesperson in the past

• Thippiri Tirupati alias Devji, 60, is also one of the top contenders for the post. Also hailing from Telangana, Devji is from the scheduled caste community and is part of the group’s central military commission

A police officer told TOI, “There was growing pressure within the organisation to ensure caste diversity in leadership. It now remains to be seen whether the party sticks to that line or opts for a more politically seasoned figure like Venugopal.”

Analysts believe Basavaraju’s death could deepen divisions within an already fragile insurgency. The incoming general secretary will face a disheartened cadre, divided over whether to pursue peace negotiations, focus on urban tactics, or continue the armed conflict.