Synopsis: The banned CPI (Maoist) is at a crossroads. The relentless offensive by the Indian security forces has resulted in severe casualties, even as voices — strong and clear — have been heard from within the organisation to end the ‘failed’ armed struggle, and join mainstream politics. The latest to raise such a demand was Mallojula Venugopal, spokesperson and Central Committee member. Which road the CPI (Maoist), shorn of its past glory, will take now is the question.

Is the outlawed CPI (Maoist) facing the biggest crisis in over five decades?

The answer is “yes” if one goes by the heavy loss of human resources, particularly senior leaders, in a series of “encounters” and the internal debate on whether it should give up the armed struggle and move into mainstream political activity

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