other prominent former rebels have chosen to build a broader social and political front outside the party framework While former Maoist leader Lanka Papi Reddy has launched the Jana Telangana Party with an eye on electoral politics. Hyderabad : As Telangana ’s former Maoists seek a role in mainstream politics, emerging ideological and organisational differences have led them down separate paths.
The divergence has exposed differing strategies among leaders who once shared a common movement. Though they disagree on the organisational platform, the groups have left open the possibility of working together on issues of common concern through a minimum common programme.
In a statement issued on Sept 26, Tippiri Tirupati alias Devji, Malla Raji Reddy alias Sangram and Pulluri Prasad Rao alias Chandranna clarified that they were not associated with the Jana Telangana Party. Papi Reddy, a former central committee member who surrendered more than two decades ago, formally unveiled the Jana Telangana Party initiative and released its draft programme on Sept 19.
The three leaders said the participation of some former Maoists in the new party had led to questions about their own role. “We have no connection with this party,” they said, adding that Papi Reddy himself had clarified the position. The proposed platform would work against what they described as exploitation and oppression by imperialist, capitalist and landlord classes, besides fascist forces, according to them. They said the organisation would function legally and openly while taking up public issues and people’s concerns. Devji, who surrendered in Hyderabad a few months ago, had earlier said he was entering public life to safeguard people’s rights. The upcoming graduate MLC elections are being considered the party’s first electoral test, according to Telangana SIB sources.
He has since enrolled for an LLB course after clearing Lawcet. Another round of consultations is expected to be held in Mancherial shortly.