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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.

Shinde objects to BJP candidates in four constituencies

Shinde

Mumbai: Tensions have surfaced within the Mahayuti alliance following the BJP’s announcement of its 99 candidates for the Maharashtra Assembly polls. The Shiv Sena faction, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has taken exception to the BJP’s decision to field candidates in four key constituencies: Kalyan East, Thane, Airoli, and Murbad. 


Specifically, Shiv Sena workers are opposed to Sulabha Gaikwad’s nomination in Kalyan East, citing her husband Ganpat Gaikwad’s alleged involvement in opening fire on Sena leader Mahesh Gaikwad. They demand a Shiv Sena leader be fielded instead.


Additionally, the BJP’s selection of Sanjay Kelkar in Thane, considered a stronghold of Shinde, has drawn ire from Shiv Sena workers. Similarly, the party is displeased with the BJP’s decision to field sitting MLA Kisan Shankar Kathore in Murbad and Ganesh Naik in Airoli. 


The latter’s son, Sandeep Naik, joined Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction after being denied a BJP ticket and will contest from Belapur. 


Notably, the BJP’s first list includes prominent figures like Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule.


The Mahayuti alliance’s internal rifts may impact its electoral prospects, as Shiv Sena workers have threatened not to campaign for the BJP candidates in the contested seats. 


With over 80 sitting MLAs re-contesting and five previous losers given another chance, the alliance’s dynamics will be closely watched. The Maharashtra Assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with results to be announced on November 23.


Key Points of Contention

  • Kalyan East: Sulabha Gaikwad’s nomination is opposed due to her husband Ganpat Gaikwad’s alleged involvement in opening fire on Sena leader Mahesh Gaikwad.

  • Thane: Sanjay Kelkar’s selection has drawn ire from Shiv Sena workers, as Thane is considered a stronghold of Shinde.

  • Murbad: The party is displeased with the BJP’s decision to field sitting MLA Kisan Shankar Kathore.

  • Airoli: Ganesh Naik’s candidacy is opposed, especially since his son Sandeep Naik joined Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction after being denied a BJP ticket.

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