Bhupathi 'Revolutionary Traitor': Maoist Brass on Mass Surrender
The recent surrender of senior Maoist leader Mallojula Venugopal Rao, also known as Bhupathi or Sonu, along with a significant number of cadres, has triggered a major rift within the CPI (Maoist) ranks, with some hardliners branding Bhupathi a "revolutionary traitor". The mass surrender, one of the largest in recent years, has exposed deep ideological divisions and growing disillusionment within the Naxal movement.
Bhupathi, a 70-year-old central committee member, surrendered along with 60 other Naxals before Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Gadchiroli. The surrendered group included a Politburo member, zonal committee members, divisional committee members, and members of various dalams, turning in 54 weapons, including AK-47s and INSAS rifles.
Sources suggest that Bhupathi's decision to surrender was influenced by several factors, including the surrender of his wife, Tarakka, a senior Maoist commander, in January 2025. Her surrender reportedly built confidence between Bhupathi and Maharashtra's security agencies. Furthermore, Bhupathi was reportedly under pressure and disillusioned after being passed over for the General Secretary position within the CPI (Maoist), a role given to Devuji instead.
The surrender has brought internal conflicts within the CPI (Maoist) to the forefront. Bhupathi, also known as Sonu, has revealed serious ideological differences within the movement, with many more cadres seeking to surrender. Two factions have reportedly emerged: one led by Sonu, Satish, and Rajman Mandavi, favoring peace talks, and another led by Deoji, Hidma, and Prabhakar, who are against any form of negotiation. Bhupathi advocated for creating mass support bases and a temporary cessation of armed struggle, favoring strategic adaptation in light of pressure from security forces. However, other Telugu leaders based in Telangana are adamant about continuing armed operations.
Information from Sonu indicates that he believes a protracted "people's war" is unsustainable due to heavy losses and alienation from the masses. He also claimed that some "Godi Maoists" enjoy state protection in Telangana. Bhupathi is considered a reformist for supporting government policies like the Forest Rights Act (FRA), Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), and land distribution.
Following Bhupathi's surrender in Maharashtra, 78 Maoist cadres, including 43 women, surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region. Approximately 27 Maoists surrendered in the Sukma district, with 16 carrying a collective bounty of ₹50 lakh. Around 50 Maoists, including two members of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, surrendered in the Kanker district.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reportedly instructed a temporary slowdown of anti-Maoist operations in the Abujmarh forests after receiving surrender signals from Bhupathi. Fadnavis assured Bhupathi of protection, rehabilitation through government welfare schemes, and amnesty under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Bhupathi's move may have averted a humanitarian crisis, as many tribal members were reportedly fleeing on empty stomachs due to the aggressive tactics of commanders like Hidma and Devji.
Bhupathi, who carried a combined bounty of around Rs 6 crore across six states, laid down 54 weapons during the surrender. The surrender was facilitated through the Intelligence Cell of Gadchiroli Police and C-60 commandos. The recent surrenders mark a significant blow to the Naxal movement, highlighting the growing internal strife and the increasing appeal of rehabilitation programs. Each surrendered cadre in Sukma was provided immediate assistance of ₹50,000 and will be rehabilitated as per the government's policy.
