Naxal issue buried in campaign

Hyderabad

March 21: For the first time in four decades, naxalism is not an issue in the general elections in Andhra Pradesh.
Naxalism had dominated every election in the state since the Naxalbari movement had emerged in the late 1960s. With the near wipe out of the Maoist movement in the state, political parties have decided not to raise the issue in their political speeches.
Naxalism peaked in the last general elections in 2004 and every political party spoke about the need to address it. They even went to the extent of levelling allegations against one another that the other side had a “tacit understanding” with the outlawed group.
The Telugu Desam (TD) had then accused the Congress, which was in the Opposition, of enjoying the support of the Naxalites. The Telangana Rashtra Samiti was also accused of enjoying “inside” support from them. The Naxalites also used to give “poll boycott” call forcing politicians to enter into secret pacts with them. There has been no such boycott call from the Maoists in the state.
Only the Maoists wing in Chhattisgarh, where the Naxalites are strong, has urged the electorate not to participate in voting. The Praja Rajyam (PR) and the TRS have resurrected the Maoist talk in their manifestos.
Except for a mention in the manifesto, the party leadership has not spoken about other political parties having any understanding with the Naxalites. “The PR recognises Naxalism as a socio-economic problem. We will enter into talks with them if the party is elected to power in the state,” said the party vice-president, Mr C. Anjaneya Reddy.
According to intelligence reports, Maoist cadre from the state have shifted their base to neighbouring Orissa and Chhattisgarh following a strong anti-Naxal drive in Andhra Pradesh.
The Maoists suffered heavy losses in thick Nallamala forests. The AP naxal leaders have taken positions in Orissa and Maharashtra.
This move has given a breather to the leaders and candidates to contest for the polls without fear in the interior areas, that was once dominated by the Maoists.