ABSTRACT
Wide sections of the left in India, including most of the Naxalite groups and assorted radical individuals, are severely critical of the Maoist insurgency currently unfolding in east-central India (Mukherji 2012: Chapter 5). While I broadly agree with much of the criticism insofar as (radical) choices for the impoverished masses of India are concerned, I also think that the Maoist insurgency has raised, once again, a fundamental issue in Marxist theory: What is the role of armed struggle for accomplishing a just and egalitarian society? In my view, the issue attains particular poignancy in the Indian context where a vibrant parliamentary system is in operation despite massive inequalities. Notwithstanding its murderous character, the Maoist insurgency can be viewed as one vigorous and classical response to this issue. In effect, the Maoists are challenging their left critics to be explicit about where the critics stand on this crucial issue. I do not think this issue can be set aside by drawing attention to the Maoists’ alleged ‘deviation’ from the Marxist path in other aspects of their practice; the issue of arms still remains unsettled.
