Maoism in India, often referred to as Naxalism, is a form of communist ideology inspired by Mao Zedong’s doctrines, advocating for a protracted people's war to overthrow the state through armed insurgency, mass mobilization, and strategic alliances. It emerged as a significant movement following the 1967 Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal, where peasants, led by communist leaders like Charu Majumdar, revolted against landlords over land rights. This event birthed the Naxalite movement, which later evolved into the Communist Party of India (Maoist), formed in 2004 through the merger of the People’s War Group (PWG) and the Maoist Communist Centre of India (MCCI). The CPI (Maoist) is the largest and most violent Maoist group in India, banned as a terrorist organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act since 2009.

Maoists in India aim to establish a "people's government" through a New Democratic Revolution, viewing the Indian state as a collaboration of imperialists, comprador bourgeoisie, and feudal lords. Their ideology, rooted in Marxism-Leninism-Maoism, emphasizes rural rebellion, land redistribution, and the annihilation of class enemies. They denounce globalization, the caste system, and India's semi-feudal, semi-colonial structure, seeking to capture state power by encircling cities from the countryside. Their armed wing, the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA), primarily uses small arms to conduct guerrilla attacks.

The Maoist insurgency is concentrated in the "Red Corridor," a region spanning central and eastern India, particularly in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal. These areas, often forested and tribal-dominated, are marked by stark poverty, lack of infrastructure, and exploitation of indigenous (Adivasi) communities, which Maoists exploit to gain support. At its peak in the late 2010s, the insurgency affected nearly 180 districts, but by 2023, this had reduced to about 45-46 districts due to government counter-insurgency efforts.

The roots of Maoism in India trace back to the Communist Party of India (CPI), formed in 1925, and post-independence peasant uprisings like Telangana (1946–51) and Tebhaga (1946–47). The 1967 Naxalbari uprising, led by CPI (Marxist) dissidents, marked a shift toward militant Maoism, with the formation of the CPI (Marxist-Leninist) in 1969. Internal splits and state repression in the 1970s weakened the movement, but it resurged in the 1980s with groups like the PWG and MCCI, culminating in the CPI (Maoist) merger in 2004.

The Maoist insurgency has caused significant violence, with over 12,000 deaths since 1980, including civilians, security forces, and rebels. Notable attacks include the 2010 Dantewada ambush (76 security personnel killed) and the 2021 Sukma attack (22 soldiers killed). The movement draws support from marginalized groups, particularly Adivasis, who face displacement due to mining and industrial projects in mineral-rich regions. However, Maoists have been criticized for harsh tactics, including extortion and targeting civilians, which has eroded some local support.

The Maoist movement has weakened significantly, with violence dropping 77% from 2009 to 2021 and affected districts reduced from 96 to 46. Key leaders like Milind Teltumbde and Basavaraju (killed in 2021 and 2025, respectively) have been neutralized, and cadres are surrendering due to disillusionment and disrupted supply chains, exacerbated by COVID-19 lockdowns. Despite this, the movement persists in remote areas, driven by socio-economic disparities and state failures in governance.

Critical Perspective

While the government's narrative emphasizes security successes, it often overlooks root causes like economic deprivation, caste oppression, and Adivasi displacement. Maoists exploit these grievances, but their rigid ideology and violent methods have alienated some supporters. The state's reliance on force risks further alienating tribal communities, and sustainable solutions require addressing land rights, poverty, and inclusive development alongside security measures.