In a major setback to Left-Wing Extremism, senior CPI (Maoist) Politburo member Mallojula Venugopal Rao, alias Sonu, surrendered along with 60 Maoist cadres at the Gadchiroli Police Headquarters in Maharashtra, in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The surrender is being seen as a significant step toward peace efforts and de-escalation of violence in Maoist-affected regions.
Rao, considered one of the top leaders of the outlawed CPI (Maoist), laid down arms on Tuesday and expressed readiness for formal peace talks with the government. He requested a one-month ceasefire window to consult with party cadres across multiple states and jails.
“I am laying down weapons and will now be part of movements working for the oppressed in India,” Rao said in a statement. “Since March 2025, our party has sought dialogue with the government. A ceasefire proposal was made in May, but there was no official response. Instead, the intensity of operations was increased,” he added.
Rao clarified that the surrender was made in response to a peace appeal issued earlier this year by CPI (Maoist) Chief Secretary Basavraju, who was later killed in a security operation in May. “We are not abandoning that call. Despite the losses, we have chosen the path of peace,” Rao said.
He further appealed to the Centre to suspend security operations in Maoist zones for one month to enable internal consultations. “We are ready to hold discussions via video conferencing if required. Leftist organisations and sympathisers may also send their views, which we will consider,” he said.
The development comes amid ongoing operations led by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and state police forces to dismantle Maoist strongholds across central and eastern India.
In September, Rao had indicated his willingness to surrender, a move reportedly supported by several Maoist cadres in Chhattisgarh and other affected regions.
Reacting to the broader decline in Naxal activities, Union Home Minister Amit Shah last month said that India would be free from Naxalism by March 31, 2026.
Addressing the valedictory session of ‘Bharat Manthan-2025: Naxal Mukt Bharat – Ending Red Terror Under Modi’s Leadership’ in New Delhi, Shah highlighted the results of the government’s twin-pronged approach — facilitating surrenders while intensifying counter-insurgency measures.
“Figures show that more are choosing surrender and rehabilitation over violence, reflecting a significant ideological shift. For those who lay down their arms, there is a red carpet, but it is the government’s duty to protect innocent tribals from Naxalite violence” he added.
(With ANI inputs)