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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

Gadchiroli SP declares Maoist menace ‘almost over’

Mumbai: In a resounding statement signalling a historic shift, Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police (SP) Neelotpal has declared the district, once the dark heart of the ‘Red Corridor,’ is on the verge of becoming completely free of the Naxal menace. The SP expressed absolute confidence in the complete eradication of the banned CPI (Maoist) presence, noting that the remaining cadres have dwindled to a mere handful. “There has been a sea change in the situation,” SP Neelotpal stated,...

Gadchiroli SP declares Maoist menace ‘almost over’

Mumbai: In a resounding statement signalling a historic shift, Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police (SP) Neelotpal has declared the district, once the dark heart of the ‘Red Corridor,’ is on the verge of becoming completely free of the Naxal menace. The SP expressed absolute confidence in the complete eradication of the banned CPI (Maoist) presence, noting that the remaining cadres have dwindled to a mere handful. “There has been a sea change in the situation,” SP Neelotpal stated, highlighting the dramatic turnaround. He revealed that from approximately 100 Maoist cadres on record in January 2024, the number has plummeted to barely 10 individuals whose movements are now confined to a very small pocket of the Bhamragad sub-division in South Gadchiroli, near the Chhattisgarh border. “North Gadchiroli is now free of Maoism. The Maoists have to surrender and join the mainstream or face police action... there is no other option.” The SP attributes this success to a meticulously executed multi-pronged strategy encompassing intensified anti-Maoist operations, a robust Civic Action Programme, and the effective utilisation of Maharashtra’s attractive surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy. The Gadchiroli Police, especially the elite C-60 commandos, have achieved significant operational milestones. In the last three years alone, they have neutralised 43 hardcore Maoists and achieved a 100 per cent success rate in operations without police casualties for nearly five years. SP Neelotpal highlighted that the security forces have aggressively moved to close the “security vacuum,” which was once an estimated 3,000 square kilometres of unpoliced territory used by Maoists for training and transit. The establishment of eight new police camps/Forward Operating Bases (FoBs) since January 2023, including in the remote Abujhmad foothills, has been crucial in securing these areas permanently. Winning Hearts, Minds The Civic Action Programme has been deemed a “game changer” by the SP. Through schemes like ‘Police Dadalora Khidaki’ and ‘Project Udaan’, the police have transformed remote outposts into service delivery centres, providing essential government services and employment opportunities. This sustained outreach has successfully countered Maoist propaganda and, most critically, resulted in zero Maoist recruitment from Gadchiroli for the last few years. Surrender Wave The state’s progressive rehabilitation policy has seen a massive influx of surrenders. “One sentiment is common among all the surrendered cadres: that the movement has ended, it has lost public support, and without public support, no movement can sustain,” the SP noted. The surrender of key figures, notably that of Mallojula Venugopal Rao alias ‘Bhupathi,’ a CPI (Maoist) Politburo member, and his wife Sangeeta, was a “landmark development” that triggered a surrender wave. Since June 2024, over 126 Maoists have surrendered. The rehabilitation program offers land, housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and employment. Surrendered cadres are receiving skill training and are successfully transitioning into normal life, with around 70 already employed in the local Lloyds plant. A District Reborn The transformation of Gadchiroli is now moving beyond security concerns. With the decline of extremism, the district is rapidly moving towards development and normalcy. The implementation of development schemes, round-the-clock electricity, water supply, mobile towers, and new infrastructure like roads and bridges is being given top priority. He concludes that the police’s focus is now shifting from an anti-Maoist offensive to routine law-and-order policing, addressing new challenges like industrialisation, theft, and traffic management. With the Maoist movement in “complete disarray” and major strongholds like the Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh (MMC) Special Zone collapsing, the SP is highly optimistic. Gadchiroli is not just getting rid of the Naxal menace; it is embracing its future as a developing, peaceful district, well on track to meet the central government’s goal of eradicating Naxalism by March 31, 2026.

Sena promotes Shinde as next CM

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

Sena promotes Shinde as next CM

Mumbai: With the Assembly elections just around the corner, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena is gearing up to promote him as the chief ministerial candidate for the Mahayuti alliance. This alliance comprises Shiv Sena, BJP and the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP.


Shiv Sena faction convened a pivotal meeting at Shivaji Mandir in Dadar, bringing together Mumbai office bearers to strategize for upcoming elections and reinforce the party’s grip on the city. The meeting focused on bolstering Shinde’s leadership and the party’s electoral prospects, leveraging his popularity as the 20th Chief Minister of Maharashtra, a position he’s held since June 2022.


Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, addressing the gathering, saying about his father Eknath Shinde unwavering dedication, highlighting his tireless work ethic spanning two years without a single day off. This unrelenting commitment has significantly bolstered the party, drawing new supporters despite its split. 


CM’s Shinde leadership has been instrumental in Shiv Sena’s resurgence. As the 20th Chief Minister of Maharashtra since June 2022, he has demonstrated unwavering resolve. His tenure has seen notable electoral successes, including Shiv Sena securing seven seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, surpassing its BJP allies in Maharashtra.


“Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s leadership has been instrumental in strengthening Shiv Sena, fostering trust among party members and attracting new supporters. His commitment to keeping his word has ensured that not a single person has left the party, with more people joining instead,” MP Shinde remarked, emphasising the growing strength of the Shiv Sena under Eknath Shinde’s leadership. 


MP Shinde also urged party workers to maximize their efforts in the next month to defeat the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction in the upcoming elections. This appeal aligns with Shinde’s ongoing efforts to consolidate his position within the Shiv Sena and Maharashtra’s political landscape.


Shrikant Shinde backs his father, Eknath Shinde, as Mahayuti alliance’s chief ministerial candidate. He praises Eknath’s tireless work, saying: “After two years of hard work, imagine what he’ll achieve with our support in the next five years.”


Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra’s current Chief Minister, has reopened the Varsha Bungalow, his official residence, to the public, reversing a trend set by predecessor Uddhav Thackeray. During Thackeray’s tenure, the bungalow became inaccessible, sparking criticism.

Under Shinde’s leadership, Varsha Bungalow has regained its purpose, hosting various events and meetings. 


In his speech, MP Shinde directed local Shiv Sena unit chiefs and coordinators to connect with community organizations, such as Buddha Vihar and local dharma gurus. This strategic move aims to counter the narrative of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, which gained traction during the recent Lok Sabha elections.


By engaging with these influential community groups, Shinde seeks to bolster support for his party. 

Shrikant Shinde told party members, “Eknath Shinde’s supporters are confident that if they work hard for a month, he’ll dedicate the next five years to improving Maharashtra and its people’s lives.”

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