Surrendered Maoist Leaders Claim Peace Dialogue was Initiated by Slain Chief Basavaraju

Two senior Maoist Central Committee members, Rupesh, alias T Vasudev Rao, and Sonu, alias Bhupati, have surrendered in a major blow to the decades-long insurgency, prompting accusations of betrayal from the organisation’s leadership. Rupesh, carrying a ₹1 crore bounty, laid down arms alongside 210 cadres in Bastar on October 17, handing over 153 weapons at Jagdalpur police headquarters. Bhupati and 60 followers surrendered earlier in Maharashtra. In a video response to the Central Committee’s “traitor” label, Rupesh claimed the move followed late general secretary Basavaraju’s desire for peace talks with the government before his death in an encounter.

Rupesh stated that Basavaraju had initiated high-level discussions on ending armed struggle and had written to the leadership advocating dialogue. “We were preparing to disarm as demanded by the government when Basavaraju was killed,” he said, adding that he had personally contacted another commander, Devji, about the process. He denied coercion in the mass surrender, calling it a “decision of conscience” to save lives and the movement. The Central Committee, through spokesperson Abhay, accused Rupesh of secret government contacts for months, branding both leaders as betrayers of the revolution.

The dual surrenders have triggered organisational panic and exposed deep internal rifts, with officials describing it as the biggest breakthrough in Bastar in years. Since January 2024, over 2,100 Maoists have surrendered, 477 have been killed, and 1,785 have been arrested across Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Odisha, reflecting sustained counter-insurgency pressure and dwindling cadre support. Security forces attribute the collapse to fatigue, loss of forest strongholds, and growing disillusionment among lower ranks.

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The revelations mark a historic shift, with a top leader publicly confirming the insurgency’s highest command once sought peace. As coordinated operations intensify, the Red Corridor faces its most severe leadership crisis, potentially signalling the beginning of the end for India’s longest internal conflict. Authorities continue rehabilitation efforts while monitoring remaining hardliners for further defections.

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