Tribal warlord Hidma takes over as Central India's Maoist boss, sparks Tribal-Telugu tension in ranks

Nagpur: Madvi Hidma, the notorious and elusive commander of People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion 1, was appointed the new secretary of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist). This makes the tribal warlord, the new guerrilla boss of the entire Dandakaranya region that houses their tottering headquarters, Abujmarh.This strategic elevation marks a significant shift in the Maoist hierarchy, positioning Hidma, a tribal from Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, to lead the battle-hardened PLGA in an anticipated post-monsoon showdown with security forces in the Dandakaranya region, straddling Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and parts of Odisha and Telangana.The move ignited a simmering cold war within Maoist ranks, exposing deep fissures between the historically dominant Telugu leadership and rising tribal cadres, said a senior security official.Hidma, a master in guerrilla warfare, is infamous for orchestrating devastating ambushes, including the 2010 Tadmetla attack that killed 76 CRPF personnel and the 2013 Jhiram Valley massacre that wiped out much of Chhattisgarh's Congress leadership. His appointment over seasoned Telugu leaders like Takkallapally Vasudeva Rao (Ashanna) underscores a deliberate shift to empower local Koya tribal leaders in Dandakaranya's dense jungles. This decision has given a fillip to tribal cadres, who were relegated to being foot soldiers in companies, platoons and resented the Telugu leadership's monopoly in strategic and political roles.Sources in intelligence agencies reveal growing frustration among tribal fighters, who feel exploited by Telugu leaders. The Maoists' internal strife comes at a critical juncture. Relentless security operations in central Indian states like Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra have taken a heavy toll. The April 2025 Operation Black Forest in Karregutta Hills claimed 31 Maoist lives, while the May 2025 Abujmarh encounter eliminated senior leader Nambala Keshava Rao (Basavaraj). These losses, coupled with allegations that local tribal guards abandoned their posts, fuelled distrust between Telugu and tribal factions.Telugu cadres, under pressure to return to their home states, are reportedly wary of Hidma's rise, given his focus on military operations over ideological leadership. This "cold war" threatens to undermine Maoists' cohesion as they brace for renewed conflict, said a senior official. Hidma's leadership will face immediate challenges. The PLGA, though weakened, remains a potent force with an estimated 180 fighters in Battalion 1, armed with AK-47s, INSAS rifles, and improvised explosive devices. Hidma's knowledge of Dandakaranya's rough terrain and his proven tactical acumen make him a formidable adversary.However, security forces, with 66,000 personnel and 320 camps in Bastar, are intensifying their campaign to dismantle Maoist strongholds by March 2026. Another 500 commandos of Maharashtra's C-60 commandos and CRPF are bracing for the Mission Abhujmarh to eliminate the last 25 cadres still holed up. As Hidma prepares to lead his PLGA into the post-monsoon period, Dandakaranya's jungles are set for a decisive clash.