There are varied estimates about the number of Maoists ranging from 9,000 to 20,000, with women comprising nearly 40 per cent. Maoists are said to get most of their weapons by raiding police bases.
Various mainstream political parties have been using the Maoists for their political gains during elections, and then discarding them. Whether it is Andhra Pradesh, or Odisha, or Jharkhand, or Bihar, political parties have been using the Maoists for their own selfish ends.
