ORISSA : MAOIST ATTRITION
The great divide, the red divide
Killing of a Hindu savant has exposed a deep schism

The brutal killing of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and the communal violence that followed aftermath in Kandhamal last year has exposed a schism within the Maoist organisation. This was kicked off after Sabyasachi Panda alias Sunil, secretary of Communist Party of India (Maoist) Orissa state committee, told a section of media, “We punished Swamiji as he was creating a sectarian divide in the impoverished region."

Last week, a hand-out faxed to media houses as well as some posters across Raygada, 400 km from Bhubaneswar, reportedly released by Maoists' central committee confirmed that fractional split. The communiqué said: “Sabyasachi, being accused of anti-party activities, may face ouster. Though CPI(M) does not take any religious stand as per its ideology, murder of the Swamiji as well as his four associates is a clear-cut deviation from party philosophy. Sabyasachi was also instrumental in triggering communal violence in Kandhamal to accomplish his selfish motive.” Written under the signature of Saket, the release further stated: “The party has conclusive evidence that Sabyasachi collected crores of rupees through his family members and friends in the name of the organisation and even blackmailed people. Therefore, the party would severely punish him, and people’s court would declare him a traitor unless he apologises for his anti-people activities and failure to refund the misappropriated funds.”

Though this is the first ever poster and handout released in Orissa under the signature of Saket, the language resembles other literatures issued by the Maoists. “We are examining the authenticity of this material and investigating into newly surfaced intra-party conflict within Maoists,” said a top police official of the state.

Sabyasachi’s clash with his party bosses has also resulted in the Maoists' first ever split on religious lines. Hindu members of the organistaion, protesting against Laxmanananda's murder, broke away to form a rival group and named itself “Ideologues of Democrat Guerrilla Army (Maoist)". This development came to light when they put up posters threatening to target Christian members of the party. Sources say the new group was formally launched on January 3, under the leadership of a guerrilla identified as M2. IDGA-Maoist also proved its existence by observing successful bandh in at least three sensitive districts of Orissa.

Though so far no reaction has come from Sabyasachi Panda, sources close to him reveal that he differs with other top leaders of the party regarding selection of members for the central committee and communal issues revolving round Laxmanananda killing. Is this the first alarm bell for the beginning of disintegration of Maoist stronghold in Orissa?

Dhrutikam Mohanty