Maoist Party Cadre Dwindles to Mere Skeletal Remains Ahead of Government Deadline
According to recent intelligence assessments from Telangana, the Communist Party of India (Maoist) has experienced a catastrophic decline in its operational strength, now reduced to just one-tenth of its size at the beginning of 2024. This alarming contraction comes as the Union Home Ministry's March 31 deadline to eradicate Naxalism approaches, with security forces intensifying efforts across affected regions.
Drastic Reduction in Armed Cadre and Militia Support
Intelligence officials report that the Maoist party's armed cadre, which once numbered 2,200 at the launch of Operation Kagar in January 2024, has plummeted to a mere 220 members. These remaining cadres are equipped with top-range weapons but operate from deep within forested areas, facing relentless pressure from law enforcement agencies.
In addition to the core armed cadre, the militia base supporting the Maoists has also seen a severe reduction. From a strength of 7,000 in 2022, the militia now stands at only 1,000 individuals. Intelligence sources clarify that while the cadre consists of highly trained fighters with sophisticated arms, the militia is a more loosely organized group providing auxiliary support.
Collapse of Leadership and Organizational Structures
The party's central committee, a key decision-making body, has been decimated, with its membership shrinking from 19 at the start of 2024 to just five members today. This decline is attributed to a combination of neutralizations through encounters and a wave of surrenders across states like Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana.
Significant blows to the Maoist leadership include the killing of general secretary Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju in May 2025 and the more recent death of Madvi Hidma in November 2025. Hidma's demise led to the complete collapse of the People's Liberation Guerilla Army (PLGA) Battalion 1, which saw its numbers drop from 250 to a mere 40 members.
Surrenders and Ideological Setbacks
A major factor in the party's decline has been the high rate of surrenders, particularly among key figures. Barsa Deva, who took over as PLGA battalion chief after Hidma's death, surrendered in Telangana, further crippling the battalion's operations. On the ideological front, the surrender of Mallojula Venugopal Rao alias Sonu in Gadchiroli dealt a severe blow, as he was the ideological head of the Maoist movement.
Intelligence sources note that the larger support base for the Maoists, which stood at 1 lakh people in January 2024, has now dwindled to just 20,000. This erosion of popular support underscores the party's diminishing influence in its traditional strongholds.
Remaining Threats and Calls for Surrender
Despite these setbacks, a few key figures remain at large. Thippiri Tirupathi alias Devuji is identified as the most prized asset still active, along with three other central committee members, all hailing from Telangana. Intelligence officials have issued appeals for their surrender, emphasizing the futility of continued resistance.
As the government's deadline looms, the Maoist party appears to be on the brink of total collapse, with one top intelligence officer stating, "The Maoist party has collapsed. They will soon be a flash in the pan." The ongoing operations and strategic surrenders signal a significant turning point in India's long-standing battle against Naxalism.
