ThePrint ThePrintAM: Why is the surrender of Mallojula Venugopal Rao a setback to Maoists?
Oct 15, 2025
The discussion dives into the recent surrender of Mallojula Venugopal Rao and its implications for Maoist factions. There's an analysis of Sonu's ceasefire letter, revealing internal conflicts among the groups. Mayank also sheds light on the background of Sonu, including his criminal cases and health issues. The episode wraps up with reflections on his political journey and what this shift means for the larger Maoist movement.
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Senior Leader's Surrender Signals Fractures
- Mallojula Venugopal Rao (Sonu) is a Central Committee member whose surrender signals major organizational stress for CPI (Maoist).
- His unilateral ceasefire letter and subsequent surrender reveal deep fractures and tactical retreat within the outfit.
Ceasefire Letter Exposed Strategic Split
- Sonu's August letter announced a temporary ceasefire and willingness to negotiate after leadership losses.
- The ceasefire was disputed by other Maoist committees, indicating factional disagreement over strategy.
From Top Contender To Surrender
- Sonu surrendered along with several cadres from the Dandakaranya Special Zone Committee in Gadchiroli.
- He was once a top contender for General Secretary and was known for education and tech skills.