For government exam aspirants preparing for IAS, SSC, RRB, and Bank Exams, understanding internal security challenges in India is crucial, especially topics related to Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).
One of the most important developments today is the steady decline of Maoist influence in India’s Red Corridor. Let’s examine the key facts, reasons for decline, and challenges ahead.
🔔 Why Is It in News?
The once-dominant Maoist insurgency across the Red Corridor is now restricted to only 18 districts in 2025.
This significant decline is driven by:
✔️ Targeted development initiatives
✔️ Sustained counterinsurgency measures
✔️ Leadership crises within Maoist ranks
✔️ Internal factional rifts
✔️ Erosion of public support
🌐 Overview of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)
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Also known as Naxalism, LWE is among India’s most serious internal security threats.
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Rooted in socio-economic inequalities and Maoist ideology.
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Originated from the Naxalbari movement (1967).
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Spreads across the Red Corridor – affecting states like:
✔️ Chhattisgarh
✔️ Jharkhand
✔️ Odisha
✔️ Maharashtra
✔️ Andhra Pradesh
✔️ Telangana
Though Maoists claim to fight for tribal and marginalized communities, their actions often involve:
✔️ Violence
✔️ Extortion
✔️ Infrastructure destruction
✔️ Recruitment of civilians (including children)
✅ Decline of Maoist Influence
📉 From ~180 districts in the late 2000s to just 18 districts in 2025
✔️ LWE incidents fell by more than 50% between 2004–14 and 2014–23
✔️ Fatalities dropped by approx. 70%
• Peak violence in 2010 → 1,936 incidents, 1,005 deaths
• In 2024 → 374 incidents, 150 deaths
🚩 Key Reasons for Decline
1️⃣ Targeted Development & Security Operations
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Government schemes, improved infrastructure, and sustained security offensives.
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Example: The 21-day Narayanpur offensive significantly weakened Maoist cadres.
2️⃣ Leadership Crisis
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2018 resignation of Ganapathy as Maoist leader.
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Basava Raju’s takeover focused on militarism over politics → further weakening the movement.
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His death in 2025 deepened the leadership vacuum.
3️⃣ Internal Rifts
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Factionalism and mass surrenders among cadres
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Politburo strength now limited to only 4 active members
4️⃣ Loss of Public Support
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Maoists neglected local development needs.
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Tribal youth increasingly seeking education, jobs, and peaceful livelihoods.
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Ex-insurgents are now promoting peaceful initiatives like fish farming in Gumla.
⚠️ Challenges Ahead
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Protection ecosystem:
Political patronage
State inaction
Intellectual advocacy -
Dangerous narrative: Portraying Naxalism as a “tribal rights struggle” obscures its violent nature.
📅 Centre’s Target:
Complete elimination of Maoism by 31 March 2026
✔️ Need to counter political & ideological legitimisation
✔️ Ensure balanced development along with security to achieve lasting peace
📚 Why This Topic Matters for Government Exams
Internal security and social justice issues are key topics in exams like IAS, SSC CGL, and RRB.
👉 Sample Question:
“Discuss the reasons behind the decline of Maoist influence in India and the challenges in achieving total elimination by 2026.”