From bullet to ballot: How Bastar defies Maoist terror to bat for democracy

Maoism gained traction world over and many revolutionary, insurgent and guerrilla groups from various countries applied it in their own contexts. They openly endorse violent means to overthrow the government and have proved to be one of the biggest internal security challenges. In the case of India, Maoism is propagated by the Naxalite insurgency movement with their bases across the eastern part of India termed as the “Red Corridor” right from the Chinese border to down south.

Naxalism, a term that reverberates through the corridors of power and the echoes of dissent, stirs a multitude of emotions and convictions, each as varied as the ideological spectrum itself. To the state apparatus, it looms as the spectre of chaos, the greatest menace to the nation’s stability and progress. Yet, for a cadre of social activists and NGOs with a particular leaning, it embodies a noble struggle against entrenched exploitation and injustice. And amidst the fray, a faction of dogmatic intellectuals of ultra-left leaning perceives it as a righteous war against a parliamentary democracy they deem complicit in perpetuating bourgeois interests.

In the cacophony of competing narratives, the government and its agencies paint Naxalism as the very antithesis of progress, a hindrance to development that robs the masses of their basic needs and rights. Conversely, a chorus of social thinkers finds solace in the insurgency’s defiance, viewing it as a bulwark against the rapacious exploitation of rich jungles and hills by multinational juggernauts. Yet, beneath the surface of this ideological battleground lies a poignant truth: the region, its people, and their aspirations suffer amidst a clash of agendas.

Tribal aspirations, once noble and rooted in the earth they tread, now find themselves entangled in a web of ulterior motives spun by left-wing extremists. The professed goal, obscured by the fog of rhetoric and revolution, remains abstract and remote to those whose lives it purportedly seeks to uplift. As the debate rages on, the true victims emerge not as pawns in a geopolitical game, but as souls caught in the crossfire of ideologies, yearning for a semblance of peace and prosperity amidst the tumult of insurgency.

In a glimmer of hope amidst the shadows of insurgency, recent data from the Ministry of Home Affairs reveals a significant decline in Maoist violence, with a 77 per cent decrease since 2010. The number of resultant deaths has also fallen by 90 per cent, from 1,005 in 2010 to 98 in 2022. The government has reduced the number of Naxal-affected districts from over 200 to just 90, with violence now concentrated in 45 districts. Remarkably, only 25 districts account for 90 per cent of all Left-Wing Extremism violence, indicating substantial progress in curbing insurgency.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah last year while speaking at a rally in Chhattisgarh mentioned that the Centre has brought the Left-Wing Extremism in the country under control in the last nine years except for a few areas in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar.

Recently in a decisive blow against the looming spectre of Maoist insurgency in Kanker, Chhattisgarh, a meticulously planned joint operation by the Border Security Force (BSF) and the District Reserve Guard (DRG) unfolded with remarkable precision. Riding on the crest of specific intelligence provided by the BSF, the operation unleashed a torrent of success, culminating in the elimination of 29 CPI Maoist cadres, including the formidable top commander, Shankar Rao. As the dust settled, a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition lay testament to the resounding victory achieved.

This triumph reverberated far beyond the confines of Kanker, casting ripples of hope across the tumultuous landscape of Bastar. The impregnable fortress of Abhujmad, a sprawling 4,000-square-mile expanse of forest that had long served as a Maoist stronghold, found itself breached by the relentless determination of the security forces. Led by the indomitable spirit of IGP Sundarraj, the Chhattisgarh police, in collaboration with the BSF, orchestrated a daring maneuver that saw the downfall of two top Naxal commanders and the decimation of the notorious Partapur Area Committee.

The operation, shrouded in secrecy and executed with surgical precision, unfolded amidst the dense foliage of Abhujmad. As gunfire echoed through the canopies, marking the crescendo of a four-hour-long confrontation, the forces emerged victorious. The recovery of lethal weaponry, including Light Machine Guns (LMGs) and AK-47s, underscored the magnitude of the blow dealt to the insurgency.

This resounding success, occurring just days before the upcoming elections, served as a clarion call for the resilience of democracy against the forces of terror. It symbolised a beacon of hope for the beleaguered region, heralding a new dawn of peace and development. With the state government’s unwavering support and the resolute dedication of the security forces, the vision of eradicating Naxalism within the next three years seemed within grasp. While the path ahead may be fraught with challenges, the unwavering commitment to the cause stands as a testament to the undying spirit of resilience and determination.

In the heartland of India’s Maoist insurgency lies Bastar, where democracy dances on the edge of a knife. As the nation holds its breath, Bastar becomes the epicentre of a political showdown between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC). Against a backdrop of fear and tension, the resilience of democracy shines through as over 64 per cent of voters defy the shadow of Maoist threat to cast their ballots. Despite the absence of roads, connectivity, and infrastructure, coupled with minimal administration presence in Bastar, and continued Maoists influence in the region, 56 villages of Bastar voted for the first time in Indian history. Through a mix of fear and goodwill, they maintain local support, challenging the very essence of democratic participation.

Defying these challenges, in the recent Lok Sabha elections, Bastar witnessed a surge in voter turnout, defying expectations and underlining the unwavering faith of its people in the democratic process. Despite being marred by Maoist insurgency, the constituency recorded a turnout of around 68 per cent, showcasing a 2 per cent increase from the previous election cycle. Notably, this surge in participation extends to the grassroots level, with residents of 56 villages exercising their voting rights in their own communities for the first time in history. This milestone includes the opening of polling booths in remote regions along the Odisha border and in villages once considered Maoist strongholds like Dantewada, Narayanpur, and Sukma.

The journey of electoral participation mirrors the region’s resilience amidst adversity. From a modest 43.33 per cent turnout in 2004, to a significant surge to 66.19 per cent in 2019, each election cycle reveals a growing defiance against Maoist influence. The pivotal moment came in 2014, witnessing a remarkable 12 per cent increase to 59 per cent, marking a seismic shift in Bastar’s political landscape. Despite the shadows of insurgency, each rise in voter turnout illuminates a path where democracy triumphs over fear, underscoring the unwavering spirit of resilience and change in Bastar.

The Maoist insurgency is an issue of national internal security and the government of India has taken steps to curb the same. Even though security and police forces are under the purview of the state governments under law, the central government has deployed the Special Forces as well as the CRPF to combat Maoism. The Maoist have time and again claimed that the violence unleashed by them is dedicated solely to safeguarding the interest and rights of the tribal population residing in the region of Bastar.The intelligence agencies have cooperated with the state governments in this regard to curb Maoist extremism.

The war against Maoism has witnessed a lot of bloodshed and several lives of the tribal people as well the security forces have been lost. Zero tolerance policy adopted by the security forces towards Maoism backed by the government has taken the lives away of several radicalized tribal youngsters. Caught amidst the crossfire, many incidents involving the death of innocent tribals also have been reported. This collateral damage has been put to good use by Maoists to radicalise the kith and kin of the deceased to pursue their mission.

As images of Bastar flooded social media, showcasing vibrant scenes of balloons and colourful atmospheres enveloping polling booths, a palpable sense of change permeated the air. These snapshots of democracy in action symbolize more than just a political process; they signify a profound transformation taking root in the heart of Bastar. In the midst of hardship and adversity, the resilience of its people shines through, as evidenced by the gradual emergence of progress and development. As a youth of today’s India, I stand witness to this journey of change, a testament to the unwavering spirit of resilience and determination that defines our nation.

In Tetam, a village once shrouded in the shadows of neglect, signs of hope now dot the landscape. With the establishment of security garrisons and the laying of paved roads, the seeds of transformation have been sown. Amidst the hardscrabble existence, the arrival of mobile connections, access to electricity, healthcare facilities, and government services signifies a newfound sense of empowerment and opportunity.

The story of Bastar serves as a poignant reminder of our collective resilience and determination. Despite its history of insurgency and neglect, Bastar still shines as a symbol of hope, showcasing the transformative power of progress.

As I reflect on the journey of today’s India, I am filled with a profound sense of optimism. Despite the challenges that lie ahead, the spirit of innovation and progress prevails. We are a nation on the rise, fueled by the collective resolve to overcome obstacles and forge a brighter future. In the face of adversity, we stand united, embracing change as a catalyst for growth and prosperity.

I believe in our potential to overcome any obstacle, to chart a course towards a better tomorrow. Our journey may be fraught with challenges, but our determination knows no bounds. With each step forward, we redefine what it means to be Indian, embracing diversity, resilience, and progress as the hallmarks of our identity.

Today’s India is not defined by its past, but by its future—a future brimming with promise and opportunity. As we navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, let us hold fast to the values that define us: unity, resilience, and progress. Together, we will continue to shape the destiny of our nation, charting a course towards a brighter tomorrow for generations to come. In the face of challenges and skepticism, democracy in India stands resolute, proving that reports of its demise are greatly exaggerated. Despite the odds, the democratic process thrives, empowering citizens to shape their own destiny.

The author is a practicing advocate. She writes articles on women’s rights, politics, and law. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.