In a significant political development, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Friday met recently surrendered Maoist leaders at the State Secretariat, marking a rare and symbolic interaction between the government and former insurgents.
The meeting, which lasted nearly an hour, was attended by Director General of Police Shivdhar Reddy and other senior police officials. Discussions focused on rehabilitation, political participation and the future course of engagement.
Among those present were recently surrendered Maoist leaders Tippiri Tirupati alias Devji, Malla Rajireddy alias Sangram, Bade Chokka Rao alias Damodar (Jagan), and Noone Narasimha Reddy alias Ganganna. The leaders, who had reportedly spent nearly four-and-a-half decades underground, had earlier surrendered before the State DGP. They were joined at the meeting by previously surrendered Central Committee members Pulluri Prasad alias Chandranna and Potula Padmavati alias Sujathakka.
During the interaction, Devji and Rajireddy conveyed that they were willing to give up armed struggle if the Central Government extends support. They indicated that the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) could be disbanded and that they were prepared to pursue their movement through democratic and legal means.
According sources in the state government, the leaders further stated that, with support from the Centre, the Maoist organisation could transform into a political party and participate in public life. Responding to the proposal, the Chief Minister said he would raise the matter with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during their next meeting. If the Centre agrees, he said, a formal public announcement could be made.
Revanth Reddy assured full support for the leaders’ rehabilitation and reintegration into society. He promised immediate implementation of Arogyasri health coverage for the surrendered members and directed officials to study reward and rehabilitation policies adopted in other states before submitting a report.
However, he clarified that allocation of agricultural land may not be feasible and said related issues would be discussed at the Cabinet level.
Emphasising that violence is not a solution to any problem, the Chief Minister said public aspirations can only be fulfilled through democratic means. He instructed officials to ensure adequate security and rehabilitation measures for those who have surrendered.
According to DGP Shivdhar Reddy, 591 Maoists have surrendered in Telangana over the past two years as part of the government’s outreach efforts, with many now leading normal lives.
The Chief Minister also congratulated the former insurgents for joining the mainstream and reiterated that democratic processes remain the only sustainable path for addressing public concerns.
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