A two-page statement from CPI (Maoist) central committee spokesperson Abhay castigates the Central government and Telangana and Chhattisgarh governments for ‘fabricating news’ of Ganapati’s surrender to demoralize the party cadres
Squashing rumours of Maoist top gun Muppalla Lakshmana Rao alias Ganapati’s impending surrender to police, the CPI (Maoist) on Friday (September 4) issued a statement in the name of one Abhay blaming the Centre and the state governments for ‘fabricating ‘ the false news of surrender. Rumours have been swirling for the last four days that Ganapati is going to give up due to ill-health. Some news reports also said that a few other top leaders of the party were also joining him to surrender themselves.
Vehemently denying these reports, party central committee spokesperson Abhay alleged the role of Central government as well as intelligence wings of Telangana and Chhattisgarh governments behind this fabricated news.
Where is Ganapati?
There are varied opinions on the whereabouts of Ganapati. Some say he went to the Philippines for medical treatment while others believe that he is in the Maoist fortress of Dandakaranya and is undergoing treatment. In an interview to a newspaper long ago, Ganapati said he had visited China two times and Russia once. This statement created a sensation as intelligence officials are wracking their brains on how could the Naxal leader cross borders with strict security at airports and border crossings. Despite absence of any evidence, there are strong suspicions that he might have gone to Philippines.
Will Ganapati himself respond?
There is speculation that Ganapati himself will make a statement refuting the possibility of his surrender. Sources said the Maoist leader is planning to put an end to the rumours created by police and intelligence officials. Though a two-page letter has been issued for now in the name of party official spokesperson, Ganapati is said to be mulling to issue a letter in his name itself should the rumours continue.
CPI (Maoist) leaders are concerned over the developments and see it as an effort to dent the image of the party. Surrender of a top leader who played an important role in building the party for the last 40 years is certainly a major loss to the party. So, it is expected that Ganapati will issue a denial statement on his own in order to boost the morale of the party cadres.
