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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

Red flag to green steel

Ex-Maoists forge new destiny in Gadchiroli Gadchiroli: The rugged, forested terrain of Gadchiroli district, long synonymous with the violence and deep-rooted anti-establishment tenets of the ‘Red Ideology’, is now witnessing a remarkable social and industrial transformation. At the Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd. (LMEL) plant in Konsari, once-feared Maoist operatives are shedding their past lives and embracing a new, respectable existence as skilled workers in a cutting-edge Direct Reduced Iron...

Red flag to green steel

Ex-Maoists forge new destiny in Gadchiroli Gadchiroli: The rugged, forested terrain of Gadchiroli district, long synonymous with the violence and deep-rooted anti-establishment tenets of the ‘Red Ideology’, is now witnessing a remarkable social and industrial transformation. At the Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd. (LMEL) plant in Konsari, once-feared Maoist operatives are shedding their past lives and embracing a new, respectable existence as skilled workers in a cutting-edge Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and pellet plant. This ‘green steel’ project, part of LMEL’s push for an integrated steel complex in the region, is functioning not just as an industrial unit but as a crucial pillar in the Maharashtra government’s surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy. So far, LMEL, in coordination with the state government and the Gadchiroli Police, has provided employment and training to 68 surrendered Maoists and 14 members of families affected by Naxal violence, a total of 82 individuals, offering them a definitive pathway back to the mainstream. The Shift The transformation begins at the company’s dedicated Lloyds Skill Development and Training Centre at Konsari. Recognizing that many former cadres had limited formal education, the company implements a structured, skill-based rehabilitation model. They are trained in essential technical and operational skills required for plant administration, civil construction, and mechanical operations. For individuals like Govinda Atala, a former deputy commander, the change is palpable. “After surrendering, I got the right to live a new life,” Atala said. “I am very happy to get this job. I am now living my life on my own; there is no pressure on me now.” Suresh Hichame, who spent over a decade in the movement before surrendering in 2009 too echoed the sentiments. He realized the path of violence offered neither him nor his family any benefit. Moreover, his self-respecct was hurt. He knew several languages and carried out several crucial tasks for the banned organization remaining constantly under the shadow of death. Today, he works in the plant, receiving a steady monthly salary that enables him to care for his family—a basic dignity the ‘Red Ideology’ could never provide. The monthly salaries of the rehabilitated workers, typically ranging from Rs 13,000 to Rs 20,000, are revolutionary in a region long characterized by poverty and lack of opportunities. Trust, Stability The employment of former Maoists is a brave and calculated risk for LMEL, an industry that historically faced stiff opposition and even violence from the left wing extremist groups. LMEL’s management, however, sees it as an investment in inclusive growth and long-term stability for the district. The LMEL has emphasized the company’s commitment to training and facilitating career growth for the local populace, including the surrendered cadres. This commitment to local workforce upskilling is proving to be a highly effective counter-insurgency strategy, chipping away at the foundation of the Maoist movement: the exploitation of local grievances and lack of economic options. The reintegration effort extends beyond the factory floor. By providing stable incomes and a sense of purpose, LMEL helps the former rebels navigate the social transition. They are now homeowners, taxpayers, and active members of the community, replacing the identity of an outlaw with that of a respected employee. This social acceptance, coupled with economic independence, is the true measure of rehabilitation. The successful employment of cadres, some of whom were once high-ranking commanders, also sends a powerful message to those still active in the jungle: the path to a peaceful and prosperous life is open and tangible. It transforms the promise of government rehabilitation into a concrete reality. The plant, with its production of iron ore and steel, is physically transforming the region into an emerging industrial hub, and in doing so, it is symbolically forging the nation’s progress out of the ashes of extremism. The coordinated effort between private industry, the state government, and the Gadchiroli police is establishing a new environment of trust, stability, and economic progress, marking Gadchiroli’s transition from a Maoist hotbed to a model of inclusive and sustainable development.

Chhagan Bhujbal’s Resurrection and the Art of Political Pragmatism

The prominent OBC leader’s ‘comeback’ reveals the ruling Mahayuti’s caste calculus, political compulsions and a quiet retreat from past anti-corruption claims.

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In a significant political development, veteran Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal was recently inducted into the Maharashtra state cabinet led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The move has triggered sharp political reactions and intense speculation about its underlying motivations ahead of crucial local body polls.


At the heart of the decision lie two key equations: the OBC vote bank and the handling of the politically sensitive Maratha reservation issue. By re-inducting Bhujbal, who is one of Maharashtra’s most influential OBC leaders, the BJP-Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde)-NCP (led by Ajit Pawar) coalition seeks to strengthen its backward class credentials and manage growing tensions between Maratha and OBC communities.


Bhujbal’s career is a testimony to political longevity and survival. From his early days as a fiery Shiv Sainik and Mayor of Mumbai, to joining the Congress and later becoming a founding member of the NCP, Bhujbal has been at the raging centre of Maharashtra’s political theatre for over four decades.


He has served as Deputy Chief Minister, Home Minister, Public Works Minister and held various influential positions.


However, his trajectory was disrupted by serious corruption charges in the 2010s, primarily linked to the Maharashtra Sadan scam. Bhujbal spent over two years in jail under charges filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). At the time, the BJP, then in opposition and later in government, took a stern stance, projecting the case as a symbol of its crusade against corruption.


Today, Bhujbal’s return to substantial power under a BJP-led government has led to charges of hypocrisy and political opportunism. The opposition Congress and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena have accused the BJP of abandoning its moral high ground. “The BJP once declared Bhujbal corrupt. Today, they call him the voice of the OBCs,” said a Congress MLA, calling it a classic case of political convenience.


Chief Minister Fadnavis has defended Bhujbal’s induction as a practical decision, stating that Bhujbal is an “important voice of the OBCs” and commands influence in several parts of Maharashtra. Insiders in the BJP admit that the party’s decision was shaped by multiple considerations.


Firstly, the OBC voter base in Maharashtra is significant - over 35 percent of the population according to various estimates. Bhujbal, a prominent Yadav leader from Nashik district, has consistently mobilized OBC sentiment and built his political career on the plank of social justice and backward class empowerment.


His strong opposition to including Marathas under the OBC quota, particularly during the height of the Maratha quota agitation led by aggressive reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, has found resonance with many OBC groups who feel their reservation benefits are under threat.


Secondly, the ruling alliance is under pressure due to the rise in Maratha agitation and the state’s balancing act on reservation. The Maratha community’s demand for inclusion under the OBC category has led to social tensions, and OBC leaders across parties have opposed the move.


In a bid to counter the Maratha agitation and reinforce its OBC credentials, the Mahayuti government has inducted Chhagan Bhujbal into the cabinet. As a vocal critic of ‘reservation dilution,’ Bhujbal’s elevation signals a firm stance on due process. For Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the move is also a salve for internal dissent within his breakaway NCP faction. Long sidelined, Bhujbal’s return rewards loyalty and aims to shore up support ahead of key local polls. With influence in Nashik, Marathwada and Vidarbha, his presence adds both electoral muscle and caste balance to an alliance often seen as Maratha-dominated.


The most pointed criticism has come from the opposition benches, which have accused the BJP of doing a complete U-turn on corruption. From launching investigations against Bhujbal during its first term to now embracing him as a minister, the BJP has been accused of abandoning its anti-corruption plank. Political analysts say this is not the first time a party has chosen practicality over principle.


What makes Bhujbal’s case particularly combative is the timing. With castetensions rising, and the state facing multiple political fronts - including Raj Thackeray’s possible resurgence and the Congress’s attempt to regain lost ground - the Mahayuti cannot afford a split in its social coalition. Bhujbal is seen as a political glue who can keep OBC leaders on board, at least for now.


While Bhujbal has been politically rehabilitated, his role in the cabinet will be closely watched. Will he get a portfolio that allows him to influence reservation policy? How will he navigate the growing resentment among Marathas? Can he help the Mahayuti win back some of the backward class votes lost to smaller caste-based parties?


Bhujbal himself appears keen to play a constructive role. Speaking to reporters after taking oath, he reiterated his commitment to “constitutional principles” and “justice for the backward classes.” He also sought to position himself as a unifying figure, urging restraint in public discourse over reservation.


As Maharashtra heads into a politically charged season, Chhagan Bhujbal’s presence in the cabinet could act as both a catalyst and a buffer. Whether his inclusion helps resolve tensions or deepens fault lines depends on how the Fadnavis-led government handles the reservation issue, power-sharing within the Mahayuti, and public perceptions around governance and credibility.

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