Former Maoist Leader Urges Telangana Govt to Lift Ban on CPI (M)
HYDERABAD: One of the senior-most former Maoist leaders, who recently surfaced after spending several years underground, has urged the Telangana government to seek the lifting of the ban on the Communist Party of India (Maoist).
Thippiri Tirupathi, also known as Devji, said the party was willing to function within the legal framework and disband its armed wing if the government allowed political space.
Speaking to reporters, Devji said he raised the demand during a meeting with chief minister A Revanth Reddy on February 27.
“In our meeting with the CM on February 27, we asked him to lift the ban on our party. We also asked him to recommend this to Union home minister Amit Shah,” Devji said.
“When we say we will work legally, the PLGA (People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army) will automatically cease to exist,” he added.
Devji said the chief minister responded positively but clarified that only the Union government can decide on the ban.
Proposal seeks release of jailed Maoist leaders and activists
Devji also demanded the release of jailed Maoist leaders, activists and sympathisers. He said the government should recognise them as “political prisoners”.
He urged authorities to release those involved in the movement, including members of public organisations, militia members and party functionaries jailed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
“If you ask people to give up weapons and join the mainstream but then brand them ‘Urban Naxals’ and jail them again, it will disturb the peace,” he said.
Clarifies remarks on aid for surrendered Maoists
Responding to reports that he sought ₹1 crore and five acres of land for surrendered Maoists, Devji said the demand was not part of the official agenda.
“In the final moment, I raised it in haste. That was our mistake,” he said.
Devji also rejected suggestions that he had surrendered. He said his move marked a transition to open political work.
He claimed Telangana police arrested him while he was relocating to coordinate party affairs during “Operation Kagar”.
“Some truly surrendered, some did so inevitably. Others like us wanted to enter public life. We have a responsibility to coordinate with them,” he said.
Ideology unchanged despite shift from militancy
Devji said his political ideology remains unchanged despite the shift away from armed struggle.
“If I had chosen a personal life and left politics, that would be a surrender. If I rejected Marxism-Maoism, that would be a surrender,” he said.
“But we still believe in Marxist-Maoist theory.”
When asked if he could return to militancy, Devji said the group would follow a legal path.
“Once we give our word to work within the legal framework, we will stick to it,” he said.
