Archive · 1 Nov 2025
Urban Naxals Plan Cultural Strategy To Revive Movement, Intelligence Sources Say
Imagine some people who have ideas they want to spread, but not many people are listening to them anymore.
According to intelligence sources, these people recently had a secret meeting.
They plan to try spreading their ideas by focusing on culture, like stories, traditions, and beliefs, especially in certain parts of India.
They want to use famous historical figures and events, like those related to Chhatrapati Shivaji, to get people to accept their views.
They are also thinking about using religious gatherings to share their message.
The goal is to change how people think by influencing culture, similar to a strategy from a very old idea about communism.
They are looking to build support by targeting places that are important to the history and culture of the region.
Intelligence sources report that 'urban naxals' are devising a cultural strategy to revive their movement.
A meeting of approximately 50 senior activists was held in Mumbai on October 28 to discuss this strategy.
The plan involves targeting the cultural fabric of Maharashtra and South Indian states, inspired by Antonio Gramsci's theories.
Activists aim to shift focus from Koregaon Bhima to Raigad Fort and potentially hijack the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji through a movement called 'Shiv-Shambu Mohim'.
The campaign is planned to commence at Raireshwar Temple and proceed to Raigad Fort, incorporating multi-religious prayers and potentially using the Warkari movement.
- Who
- Senior activists associated with the 'urban naxal' movement
- What
- Hatching a plan to revive the naxal movement by targeting the country's cultural fabric, aiming to establish new cultural hegemony.
- When
- A meeting was held on October 28, with plans to begin a campaign soon.
- Where
- A meeting took place in Mumbai, with planned activities in Maharashtra and South Indian States, specifically targeting Raigad Fort and Raireshwar Temple.
- Why
- To counter the dwindling presence of the naxalite movement and establish a new cultural and ideological dominance.
Intelligence Sources' Assessment
Implied Counter-Narrative (Urban Naxal Perspective)
Movement Revival Strategy
Intelligence Sources' Assessment
Claims 'urban naxals' are surreptitiously planning to revive the naxal movement by targeting cultural fabric and establishing new hegemony, using Gramsci's theories.
Implied Counter-Narrative (Urban Naxal Perspective)
Focuses on reclaiming and reinterpreting historical legacies (like Shivaji and Sambhaji) and engaging with cultural movements (like Warkari) to promote certain ideologies, not necessarily a 'revival' in the sense described.
Targeting Historical Figures/Sites
Intelligence Sources' Assessment
Accuses 'urban naxals' of trying to hijack the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji and leverage historical sites like Raigad Fort and Raireshwar Temple for their agenda.
Implied Counter-Narrative (Urban Naxal Perspective)
Seeks to establish a 'distorted view of history' by connecting with and possibly reinterpreting historical narratives of Swarajya and historical figures like Shivaji and Sambhaji within a contemporary context.
Influence of Ideology
Intelligence Sources' Assessment
Identifies the strategy as based on Antonio Gramsci's theory of communism, aiming for ideological dominance.
Implied Counter-Narrative (Urban Naxal Perspective)
Seeks to 'neutralize' or counter existing nationalist sentiments (like the 'Sambhaji Bhide phenomenon') by presenting an alternative or competing ideological framework, particularly in Western Maharashtra.
- Meeting Date
- October 28
- Meeting Location
- Mumbai
- Estimated Attendees
- About 50 senior activists
- Targeted Regions
- Maharashtra and South Indian States
- Theoretical Framework
- Antonio Gramsci's theory of communism
- Planned Starting Point
- Raireshwar Temple, Pune district