Misplaced Pages

Varavara Rao: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 13:26, 13 October 2020 editVincentvikram (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users7,059 edits see also← Previous edit Latest revision as of 05:28, 2 July 2024 edit undoThat Tired Tarantula (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users5,302 edits Reverting edit(s) by 2409:40E0:28:EE0D:8000:0:0:0 (talk) to rev. 1225236531 by JJMC89 bot III: Unexplained content removal (RW 16.1)Tags: RW Undo 
(95 intermediate revisions by 56 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Indian writer (born 1940)}} {{short description|Indian writer (born 1940)}}
{{pp-blp|small=yes}} {{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
⚫ {{BLP sources|date=July 2020}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{more footnotes|date=January 2008}}
⚫ {{BLP sources|date=July 2020}}
}}
{{Infobox writer {{Infobox writer
| name = Pendyala Varavara Rao | name = Pendyala Varavara Rao
| image = Varavara rao.jpg | image = Varavara Rao,.jpg
| image_size = | image_size =
| alt = | alt =
| caption = | caption =
| pseudonym = | pseudonym =
| birth_name = Varavara Rao | birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1940|11|3}} | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1940|11|3}}
| birth_place = Chinna Pendyala, ], India | birth_place = Chinnapendyala, ], ]<br /> (now in ]), India
| death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|df=yes|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} --> | death_date =
| death_place = | death_place =
| resting_place = | resting_place =
Line 40: Line 37:
}} }}


'''Pendyala Varavara Rao''' (born 3 November 1940) is an Indian activist, poet, teacher, and writer from ], India. He is an accused in the ] and has been arrested under the non-bailable ] .<ref>{{cite web |title=Bhima Koregaon violence probe: Police claim conclusive proof against activists, seize 'letters' planning 'big action' |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/bhima-koregaon-violence-probe-police-claim-conclusive-proof-against-activists-seize-letters-planning-big-action-5088531.html |website=First Post |date=31 August 2018 |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref> Rao was arrested on the charge of plotting to assassinate ],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rao |first1=Srinivas |title=Modi assassination plot: Maoist ideologue P Vara Vara Rao arrested from Hyderabad, say family members |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/modi-assassination-plot-maoist-ideologue-p-vara-vara-rao-arrested-from-hyderabad-say-family-members/story-8gxOtJMqgXSuQUybImpCrL.html |website=HT |date=28 August 2018 |access-date=25 November 2021}}</ref> possibly based upon planted evidence.<ref>{{Cite news |first1=Niha |last1=Masih |first2=Joanna |last2=Slater |date=6 July 2021 |title=Evidence found on a second Indian activist's computer was planted, report says |newspaper=] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/07/06/bhima-koregaon-case-india/ |access-date=3 April 2022}}</ref> In August 2022, he was released on bail by the Supreme Court of India, on medical grounds.
'''Varavara Rao''' (born 3 November 1940) is an Indian activist, poet, teacher, and writer from ], India.


== Personal life and education == == Personal life and education ==
Line 47: Line 44:
== Career and teaching == == Career and teaching ==
Rao initially taught Telugu literature at two different private colleges in Telangana, before joining the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Government of India, as a publication assistant.<ref name=":0" /> He retired from teaching in 1998.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Venugopal|first=N.|title=Charges against activist VV Rao echo cases he’s faced for 45 years – but never been found guilty of|url=https://scroll.in/article/895697/new-charges-against-varavara-rao-echo-cases-hes-faced-for-45-years-but-never-been-found-guilty-of|access-date=2020-07-23|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US}}</ref> Rao initially taught Telugu literature at two different private colleges in Telangana, before joining the ] of the ] as a publication assistant.<ref name=":0" /> He retired from teaching in 1998.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Venugopal|first=N.|title=Charges against activist VV Rao echo cases he's faced for 45 years – but never been found guilty of|url=https://scroll.in/article/895697/new-charges-against-varavara-rao-echo-cases-hes-faced-for-45-years-but-never-been-found-guilty-of|access-date=2020-07-23|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US}}</ref>


But later he left research to join a private college at Siddipet, Medak district as a lecturer. From there he switched over to DAVP, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, New Delhi to work as a Publication Assistant. Again he left the job to join as a lecturer in another private college at Jadcherla, ] district. He moved to Warangal to join Chanda Kanthaiah Memorial College (CKM College) where he worked as Telugu lecturer and later became its principal.{{Citation needed|date=July 2020}} But later he left research to join a private college at Siddipet, Medak district as a lecturer. From there he switched over to DAVP, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, New Delhi to work as a Publication Assistant. Again he left the job to join as a lecturer in another private college at Jadcherla, ] district. He moved to Warangal to join Chanda Kanthaiah Memorial College (CKM College) where he worked as Telugu lecturer and later became its principal.{{Citation needed|date=July 2020}}


== Writing == == Writing ==
He is considered as one of the best critics in ] literature and taught Telugu literature to graduate and undergraduate students for about 40 years. He is known as an orator and had addressed thousands of public gatherings. {{cn|date=July 2020}} Rao is considered as one of the best critics in ] literature and taught Telugu literature to graduate and undergraduate students for about 40 years. He is known as an orator and had addressed thousands of public gatherings.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}


=== Publications and editorial work === === Publications and editorial work ===
In 1966, Rao founded a group called ''Saahithee Mithrulu'' (Friends of Literature), which started producing a literary journal called ''Srujana''.<ref name=":1">{{cite news|date=29 Aug 2018|title=Sub-Heading -‘A Maoist Ideologue’ in ‘Urban Naxal’ Varavara Rao No Stranger to Political Imprisonments|publisher=The Quint|url=https://www.thequint.com/news/politics/varavara-rao-profile-no-stranger-to-political-imprisonment-bhima-koregaon}}</ref> The journal was initially published on a quarterly basis, but following wide popularity, it became a monthly journal in 1970.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=Writing as Righting: The Politics and Poetics of Varavara Rao|url=https://thewire.in/rights/varavara-rao-poet-rights-activist-elgar-parishad|access-date=2020-07-23|website=The Wire}}</ref> ''Srujana'' was published from 1966 to 1992, and focused on publishing the works of young, local poets.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=2016-07-01|title=The poet as the revolutionary - Talking with Varavara Rao » RAIOT|url=https://www.raiot.in/the-poet-as-the-revolutionary-talking-with-varavara-rao/|access-date=2020-07-18|website=RAIOT|language=en-US}}</ref> ''Srujana'' was later replaced with a new journal named ''Arunatara''.<ref name=":2" /> Rao, along with a group of Telugu writers, periodically self-published stories, poems, and other literature, and sold them directly to book sellers.<ref name=":2" /> In 1966, Rao founded a group called ''Saahithee Mithrulu'' (Friends of Literature), which started producing a literary journal called ''Srujana''.<ref name=":1">{{cite news|date=29 Aug 2018|title=Sub-Heading -'A Maoist Ideologue' in 'Urban Naxal' Varavara Rao No Stranger to Political Imprisonments|publisher=The Quint|url=https://www.thequint.com/news/politics/varavara-rao-profile-no-stranger-to-political-imprisonment-bhima-koregaon}}</ref> The journal was initially published on a quarterly basis, but following wide popularity, it became a monthly journal in 1970.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=Writing as Righting: The Politics and Poetics of Varavara Rao|url=https://thewire.in/rights/varavara-rao-poet-rights-activist-elgar-parishad|access-date=2020-07-23|website=The Wire}}</ref> ''Srujana'' was published from 1966 to 1992, and focused on publishing the works of young, local poets.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=2016-07-01|title=The poet as the revolutionary - Talking with Varavara Rao » RAIOT|url=https://www.raiot.in/the-poet-as-the-revolutionary-talking-with-varavara-rao/|access-date=2020-07-18|website=RAIOT|language=en-US}}</ref> ''Srujana'' was later replaced with a new journal named ''Arunatara''.<ref name=":2" /> Rao, along with a group of Telugu writers, periodically self-published stories, poems, and other literature, and sold them directly to book sellers.<ref name=":2" />


=== Poetry === === Poetry ===
Rao began publishing poetry in the late 1950s in journals and magazines, and his first poetry collection ''Chali Negallu'' (Camp Fires) was published in 1968.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Varavara Rao (poet) - India - Poetry International|url=https://www.poetryinternational.org/pi/poet/15346/Varavara-Rao/en/tile|access-date=2020-07-18|website=www.poetryinternational.org}}</ref> Rao began publishing poetry in the late 1950s in journals and magazines, and his first poetry collection ''Chali Negallu'' (Camp Fires) was published in 1968.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Varavara Rao (poet) - India - Poetry International|url=https://www.poetryinternational.org/pi/poet/15346/Varavara-Rao/en/tile|access-date=2020-07-18|website=www.poetryinternational.org}}</ref>


Varavara Rao has published fifteen poetry collections of his own besides editing a number of poetry anthologies.<ref name=":1" /> His poetry collections are: ''Chali Negallu'' (Camp Fires, 1968), ''Jeevanaadi'' (Pulse, 1970), ''Ooregimpu'' (Procession, 1973), ''Swechcha'' (Freedom, 1978), ''Samudram'' (Sea, 1983), ''Bhavishyathu Chitrapatam'' (Portrait of the Future, 1986), ''Muktakantam'' (Free Throat, 1990), ''Aa Rojulu'' (Those Days, 1998), ''Unnadedo Unnattu'' (As it is, 2000), ''Dagdhamauthunna Bagdad'' (Burning Bagdad, 2003), ''Mounam Oka Yuddhaneram'' (Silence is a War Crime, 2003), ''Antassootram'' (Undercurrent, 2006), ''Telangana Veeragatha'' (Legend of Telangana, 2007), ''Palapitta Paata'' (Song of Palapitta, 2007) and ''Beejabhoomi'' (Field of Seeds, 2014). In 2008, an anthology of selected poetry by Rao, titled ''Varavara Rao Kavitvam (1957-2007), (Varavara Rao's Poetry'') was published.<ref name=":3" /> Varavara Rao has published fifteen poetry collections of his own besides editing a number of poetry anthologies.<ref name=":1" /> His poetry collections are: ''Chali Negallu'' (Camp Fires, 1968), ''Jeevanaadi'' (Pulse, 1970), ''Ooregimpu'' (Procession, 1973), ''Swechcha'' (Freedom, 1978), ''Samudram'' (Sea, 1983), ''Bhavishyathu Chitrapatam'' (Portrait of the Future, 1986), ''Muktakantam'' (Free Throat, 1990), ''Aa Rojulu'' (Those Days, 1998), ''Unnadedo Unnattu'' (As it is, 2000), ''Dagdhamauthunna Bagdad'' (Burning Bagdad, 2003), ''Mounam Oka Yuddhaneram'' (Silence is a War Crime, 2003), ''Antassootram'' (Undercurrent, 2006), ''Telangana Veeragatha'' (Legend of Telangana, 2007), ''Palapitta Paata'' (Song of Palapitta, 2007) and ''Beejabhoomi'' (Field of Seeds, 2014). In 2008, an anthology of selected poetry by Rao, titled ''Varavara Rao Kavitvam (1957-2007) (Varavara Rao's Poetry'') was published.<ref name=":3" />


Rao's work has been translated into English by Dr. D Venkat Rao (professor at the English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad.<ref name=":3" /> Rao's work has been translated into English by Dr. D Venkat Rao (professor at the English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad).<ref name=":3" />


His poetry has been translated into almost all Indian languages. His poetry collections appeared in ], ] and ] and a few ] and ] literary journals brought out special numbers of his poetry and writings.{{cn|date=July 2020}} His poetry has been translated into almost all Indian languages. His poetry collections appeared in ], ] and ] and a few ] and ] literary journals brought out special numbers of his poetry and writings.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}


n 1986, one of his poetry anthologies ''Bhavishyathu Chitrapatam'' (Portrait of the Future) was banned by the state government. {{cn|date=July 2020}} In 1986, one of his poetry anthologies, ''Bhavishyathu Chitrapatam'' (Portrait of the Future), was banned by the state government. {{citation needed|date=July 2020}}


=== Criticism === === Criticism ===
Rao's book, '] Liberation Struggle and Telugu Novel – A Study into Interconnection between Society and Literature' (1983) is considered to be landmark in ] in Telugu.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> He published half-a-dozen volumes of literary criticism and a volume of his editorials in ''Srujana''.{{cn|date=July 2020}} Rao's book, ''] Liberation Struggle and Telugu Novel – A Study into Interconnection between Society and Literature'' (1983) is considered to be a landmark in ] in Telugu.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> He published half a dozen volumes of literary criticism and a volume of his editorials in ''Srujana''.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}


=== Prison diaries === === Prison diaries ===
During his periods of incarceration, Rao maintained and published a personal journal, ''Sahacharulu'' (1990), which was translated into English and published in 2010 as 'Captive Imagination'.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":5" /> He also translated ]'s prison diary, ''Detained'' and novel, '']'' into Telugu.<ref name=":0" /> During his periods of incarceration, Rao maintained and published a personal journal, ''Sahacharulu'' (1990), which was translated into English and published in 2010 as ''Captive Imagination''.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":5" /> He also translated ]'s prison diary, ''Detained'', and novel, '']'', into Telugu.<ref name=":0" />


== Political activism == == Political activism ==


=== Founding of 'Virasam' (1960s) === === 1960s: Founding of Virasam ===
In 1967, Rao formed part of a generation of writers and poets that criticized the Telugu literary community's disengagement with politics. He was instrumental in founding two writer's associations that actively engaged in politics; the Tirugubatu Kavulu (Association of Rebel Poets) in ], and the Viplava Rachayitala Sangham (Revolutionary Writers’ Association), popularly known as Virasam, in 1970.<ref name=":0" /> The group was inspired by the ] uprising<ref name=":5" /> and the Other members of Virasam included author ], dramatist ], poet and historian K.V. Ramana Reddy, ], Nikhileswar, Nagna Nuni and ].<ref name=":5" /> Virasam was closely associated with Dalit politics.<ref name=":5" /> As a member of Virasam, Rao participated in educational campaigns and contributed to several anthologies of writing published by authors connected with Virasam.<ref name=":0" /> He has been part of the executive committee of Virasam since its inception.<ref name=":1" /> Virasam was subsequently banned by the Andhra Pradesh State Government in 2005, for one year, under the Andhra Pradesh Public Security Act, 1992.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cherian|first=Saji|date=23 August 2005|title=The States Of Denial|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/the-states-of-denial/228369|access-date=2020-07-24|website=Outlook India}}</ref> It was banned again in 2013.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bureau|first=Our Regional|date=2005-08-18|title=Government re-imposes ban on Maoists|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/government-re-imposes-ban-on-maoists-105081801054_1.html|access-date=2020-07-24}}</ref> In 1967, Rao formed part of a generation of writers and poets that criticized the Telugu literary community's disengagement with politics. He was instrumental in founding two writer's associations that actively engaged in politics; the Tirugubatu Kavulu (Association of Rebel Poets) in ], and the Viplava Rachayitala Sangham (Revolutionary Writers’ Association), popularly known as Virasam, in 1970.<ref name=":0" /> The group was inspired by the ] uprising<ref name=":5" /> and the Other members of Virasam included author ], dramatist ], poet and historian K.V. Ramana Reddy, ], ], Nagna Muni and ].<ref name=":5" /> Virasam was closely associated with Dalit politics.<ref name=":5" /> As a member of Virasam, Rao participated in educational campaigns and contributed to several anthologies of writing published by authors connected with Virasam.<ref name=":0" /> He has been part of the executive committee of Virasam since its inception.<ref name=":1" /> Virasam was subsequently banned by the Andhra Pradesh State Government in 2005, for one year, under the Andhra Pradesh Public Security Act, 1992.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cherian|first=Saji|date=23 August 2005|title=The States Of Denial|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/the-states-of-denial/228369|access-date=2020-07-24|website=Outlook India}}</ref> It was banned again in 2013.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bureau|first=Our Regional|date=2005-08-18|title=Government re-imposes ban on Maoists|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/government-re-imposes-ban-on-maoists-105081801054_1.html|access-date=2020-07-24}}</ref>


=== Imprisonment during the Emergency (1973–75) === === 1973–75: Imprisonment during the Emergency ===
Rao was initially arrested in 1973 by the Andhra Pradesh State Government, under the ], on charges of inciting violence through his writing.<ref name=":0" /> Although he was released by a order of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, which rebuked the State Government for failing to show that his writings had resulted in actual violence, he was rearrested in 1975, during the ], under the same law.<ref name=":0" /> He was released after this second arrest, as well.<ref name=":0" /> Rao was initially arrested in 1973 by the Andhra Pradesh State Government, under the ], on charges of inciting violence through his writing.<ref name=":0" /> Although he was released by an order of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, which rebuked the State Government for failing to show that his writings had resulted in actual violence, he was rearrested in 1975, during the ], under the same law.<ref name=":0" /> He was released after this second arrest, as well.<ref name=":0" />


The High Court of ] struck down the order and released him after a month and a half. The High Court judgment asked the government not to resort to such actions against writers unless their writings have an immediate and direct bearing in a physical action. After a few months, the government charged a conspiracy case wherein all the actions of revolutionaries were shown as the direct consequences of a poem or a speech or a writing of revolutionary writers. Prominent ] leaders ], ], ], ], Varavara Rao and ] were implicated in the case along with 41 revolutionary activists.{{Citation needed|date=July 2020}} This conspiracy case, known as Secunderabad Conspiracy Case, was filed in May 1974 and ended in acquittal in February 1989, after 15 years of prolonged and tiresome trial. In connection with the Conspiracy Case, Varavara Rao was arrested in May 1974. He was denied bail several times and finally released on conditional bail in April 1975.{{Citation needed|date=July 2020}}]Varavara Rao was arrested again on 26 June 1975, on the eve of proclamation of ]. During Emergency, he was a detainee under the MISA. He was one of the few prisoners whose interviews with their relatives were restricted and their mail was subjected to stringent scrutiny. Though all the prisoners were released on the day when Emergency was lifted, Varavara Rao was arrested again at the entrance of the jail and was kept behind the bars for a week more on a fresh MISA warrant. He was released only when the new ] government repealed the Act itself.{{Citation needed|date=July 2020}} The High Court of ] struck down the order and released him after a month and a half. The High Court judgment asked the government not to resort to such actions against writers unless their writings have an immediate and direct bearing in a physical action. After a few months, the government charged a conspiracy case wherein all the actions of revolutionaries were shown as the direct consequences of a poem or a speech or a writing of revolutionary writers. Prominent ] leaders ], ], ], ], Varavara Rao and ] were implicated in the case along with 41 revolutionary activists.{{Citation needed|date=July 2020}} This conspiracy case, known as Secunderabad Conspiracy Case, was filed in May 1974 and ended in acquittal in February 1989, after 15 years of prolonged and tiresome trial. In connection with the Conspiracy Case, Varavara Rao was arrested in May 1974. He was denied bail several times and finally released on conditional bail in April 1975.{{Citation needed|date=July 2020}}<!-- Deleted image removed: ] -->Varavara Rao was arrested again on 26 June 1975, on the eve of proclamation of ]. During Emergency, he was a detainee under the MISA. He was one of the few prisoners whose interviews with their relatives were restricted and their mail was subjected to stringent scrutiny. Though all the prisoners were released on the day when Emergency was lifted, Varavara Rao was arrested again at the entrance of the jail and was kept behind the bars for a week more on a fresh MISA warrant. He was released only when the new ] government repealed the Act itself.{{Citation needed|date=July 2020}}
Varavara Rao was at the forefront in mobilising popular and democratic support to the widespread mass movements in northern Telangana during post-emergency days. As a consequence, he had to face mental harassment and physical assaults. He survived several attempts on his life by mercenaries of landlords as well as anti-social elements. A police official at Mandamarri, ] district in April 1979, beat him on a public platform.{{Citation needed|date=July 2020}} Varavara Rao was at the forefront in mobilising popular and democratic support to the widespread mass movements in northern Telangana during post-emergency days. As a consequence, he had to face mental harassment and physical assaults. He survived several attempts on his life by mercenaries of landlords as well as anti-social elements. A police official at Mandamarri, ] district in April 1979, beat him on a public platform.{{Citation needed|date=July 2020}}


=== Labour Movement and Arrests (1980s) === === 1980s: Labour Movement and Arrests ===
In 1985, Rao was one of 46 persons accused of attempting to overthrow the Andhra Pradesh Government in the Secunderabad Conspiracy Case. He was arrested in connection with this case, but subsequently released. Rao was also one of those arrested in the Ramnagar conspiracy case, and accused of attending a meeting in which there was a plan made to assassinate two police officials. Seventeen years later, in 2003, he was completely acquitted of all charges in relation to this case.<ref name=":0" /> In 1985, Rao was one of 46 persons accused of attempting to overthrow the Andhra Pradesh Government in the Secunderabad Conspiracy Case. He was arrested in connection with this case, but subsequently released. Rao was also one of those arrested in the Ramnagar conspiracy case, and accused of attending a meeting in which there was a plan made to assassinate two police officials. Seventeen years later, in 2003, he was completely acquitted of all charges in relation to this case.<ref name=":0" />


After Varavara Rao went to jail, his interviews were restricted and under severe surveillance. His mail, including registered newspapers, was censored for months together. He was implicated in two more cases while he was in jail. After a stifling repression period between 1985–89 under the ] rule, the newly-elected ] government allowed a little relaxation for a short period after December 1989.{{Citation needed|date=July 2020}} After Varavara Rao went to jail, his interviews were restricted and under severe surveillance. His mail, including registered newspapers, was censored for months together. He was implicated in two more cases while he was in jail. After a stifling repression period between 1985 and 1989 under the ] rule, the newly elected ] government allowed a little relaxation for a short period after December 1989.{{Citation needed|date=July 2020}}


In May 1990, Rao spoke at an event organised by the ]<nowiki/>a labourers' political party which holds an annual conference for laborers and peasants in Hyderabad. 1.2. million people attended the event, in which Rao spoke about providing land rights to farm laborers and workers.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gandikota-Nellutla|first=Varsha|date=2020-07-15|title=When the State Fears a Poet|url=http://bostonreview.net/arts-society/varsha-gandikota-nellutla-when-state-fears-poet|access-date=2020-07-20|website=Boston Review|language=en}}</ref> In May 1990, Rao spoke at an event organised by the ]<nowiki/>a labourers' political party which holds an annual conference for laborers and peasants in Hyderabad. 1.2. million people attended the event, in which Rao spoke about providing land rights to farm laborers and workers.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gandikota-Nellutla|first=Varsha|date=2020-07-15|title=When the State Fears a Poet|url=http://bostonreview.net/arts-society/varsha-gandikota-nellutla-when-state-fears-poet|access-date=2020-07-20|website=Boston Review|language=en}}</ref>


=== Naxalite Movement and role as Peace Emissary (2004) === === 2004: Peace Emissary to Naxals ===
In 2001, the ] government in Andhra Pradesh accepted a proposal to have peace negotiations with members of two banned organisations, ] and ]. Varavara Rao, Kalyana Rao and ] were accepted by both sides as peace emissaries, to establish the conditions under which the peace agreement would be negotiated.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|last=TNN|date=2 June 2002|title=PW emissaries to prepare ground for talks|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/PW-emissaries-to-prepare-ground-for-talks/articleshow/11703596.cms|access-date=2020-07-24|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> Rao called for a partial lifting of the ban on these organisations in order to facilitate peace talks, and advocated a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict.<ref name=":6" /> Three meetings to negotiate a resolution to the conflict were held; however, Rao and the other emissaries resigned from their positions before the fourth scheduled meeting, citing the fact that the Naxal parties had pulled out of negotiations and that the State government had not, in their view, participated in good faith.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bureau|first=Our Political|date=2005-04-05|title=Andhra peace talks hit block|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/andhra-peace-talks-hit-block-105040501014_1.html|access-date=2020-07-24}}</ref> Rao also noted that there were five police encounters during the negotiations, in which members of the banned parties were killed despite a temporary cease-fire.<ref>{{Cite web|title=PWG BLASTS GOVT ON PEACE PROCESS|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/pwg-blasts-govt-on-peace-process/cid/888707|access-date=2020-07-24|website=www.telegraphindia.com}}</ref> His efforts were subsequently lauded by the then-Home Minister for the State of Andhra Pradesh, K Jana Reddy who wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020 asking him to grant bail to an unwell, imprisoned Rao and, noting that, "As the then Home Minister I carried the responsibility of holding peace talks between the then AP government and naxal parties in the year 2004 October. Mr Rao played a significant role in creating cordial climate in conducting these peace talks and was genuinely interested in bringing peace in the state.”<ref>{{Cite web|last=TNM Staff|first=|date=24 July 2020|title=Ex Andhra Home Minister recalls Varavara Rao’s role as peace emissary, appeals to PM|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ex-andhra-home-minister-recalls-varavara-rao-s-role-peace-emissary-appeals-pm-129336|access-date=2020-07-24|website=The News Minute}}</ref> In 2001, the ] government in Andhra Pradesh accepted a proposal to have peace negotiations with members of two banned organisations, ] and ]. Varavara Rao, Kalyana Rao and ] were accepted by both sides as peace emissaries, to establish the conditions under which the peace agreement would be negotiated.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|last=TNN|date=2 June 2002|title=PW emissaries to prepare ground for talks|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/PW-emissaries-to-prepare-ground-for-talks/articleshow/11703596.cms|access-date=2020-07-24|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> Rao called for a partial lifting of the ban on these organisations in order to facilitate peace talks, and advocated a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict.<ref name=":6" /> Three meetings to negotiate a resolution to the conflict were held; however, Rao and the other emissaries resigned from their positions before the fourth scheduled meeting, citing the fact that the ] parties had pulled out of negotiations and that the State government had not, in their view, participated in good faith.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bureau|first=Our Political|date=2005-04-05|title=Andhra peace talks hit block|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/andhra-peace-talks-hit-block-105040501014_1.html|access-date=2020-07-24}}</ref> Rao also noted that there were five police encounters during the negotiations, in which members of the banned parties were killed despite a temporary cease-fire.<ref>{{Cite web|title=PWG BLASTS GOVT ON PEACE PROCESS|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/pwg-blasts-govt-on-peace-process/cid/888707|access-date=2020-07-24|website=www.telegraphindia.com}}</ref> His efforts were subsequently lauded by the then-Home Minister for the State of Andhra Pradesh, K Jana Reddy who wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020 asking him to grant bail to an unwell, imprisoned Rao and, noting that, "As the then Home Minister I carried the responsibility of holding peace talks between the then AP government and Naxal parties in the year 2004 October. Mr Rao played a significant role in creating cordial climate in conducting these peace talks and was genuinely interested in bringing peace in the state.”<ref>{{Cite web|last=TNM Staff|date=24 July 2020|title=Ex Andhra Home Minister recalls Varavara Rao's role as peace emissary, appeals to PM|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ex-andhra-home-minister-recalls-varavara-rao-s-role-peace-emissary-appeals-pm-129336|access-date=2020-07-24|website=The News Minute}}</ref>
The peace process ended with the imposition of ban on ], Virasam and some other people's organisations on 18 August 2005.{{Citation needed|date=July 2020}} The peace process ended with the imposition of ban on ], Virasam and some other people's organisations on 18 August 2005.{{Citation needed|date=July 2020}}


=== Telangana Movement, 2000s === === 1990s{{En dash}}2010s: Telangana Movement ===

Varavara Rao, along with a number of organisations stood in the forefront in exposing and resisting the pro-] and ] policies of ] who came to power in 1994. During ]'s government, three Central Committee members of ] were arrested in ] and killed. Some private criminal gangs killed ] and ], leaders of APCLC and life-threat to Varavara Rao turned imminent.{{Citation needed|date=July 2020}} ] Varavara Rao, along with a number of organisations stood in the forefront in exposing and resisting the pro-] and ] policies of ] who came to power in 1994. During ]'s government, three Central Committee members of ] were arrested in ] and killed. Some private criminal gangs killed ] and ], leaders of APCLC and life-threat to Varavara Rao turned imminent.{{Citation needed|date=July 2020}}<!-- Deleted image removed: ] -->
Within 24 hours of imposition of ban on ], Varavara Rao and ], were arrested on 19 August 2005 under AP Public Security Act and sent to ] in ]. Since his arrest, 7 new cases were charged against him. Apart from an earlier case of 1999 (pertaining to a protest meeting against the killings of three top leaders of Peoples War), and the case regarding the ban on ], the remaining six cases pertain to the period of talks between the government and the Naxalites. When the government revoked the AP Public Security Act against ] through GO Ms No. 503 of 11 November 2005, the cases against Varavara Rao and ] should have become redundant. In the normal course, Public Prosecutor should have informed the court about the redundancy of the cases. However, that order has not reached the court and Varavara Rao and ] had to undergo a number of adjournments of the case after the lifting of the ban. Finally, the court struck down the case on Varavara Rao under the Public Security Act on 31 March 2006 and he obtained bails for all other cases by the time. He was released from jail under bail on 31 March 2006 after a period of about eight months.{{Citation needed|date=July 2020}} Within 24 hours of imposition of ban on ], Varavara Rao and ], were arrested on 19 August 2005 under AP Public Security Act and sent to ] in ]. Since his arrest, 7 new cases were charged against him. Apart from an earlier case of 1999 (pertaining to a protest meeting against the killings of three top leaders of Peoples War), and the case regarding the ban on ], the remaining six cases pertain to the period of talks between the government and the Naxalites. When the government revoked the AP Public Security Act against ] through GO Ms No. 503 of 11 November 2005, the cases against Varavara Rao and ] should have become redundant. In the normal course, Public Prosecutor should have informed the court about the redundancy of the cases. However, that order has not reached the court and Varavara Rao and ] had to undergo a number of adjournments of the case after the lifting of the ban. Finally, the court struck down the case on Varavara Rao under the Public Security Act on 31 March 2006 and he obtained bails for all other cases by the time. He was released from jail under bail on 31 March 2006 after a period of about eight months.{{Citation needed|date=July 2020}}



In 2010, police ordered the arrest of Rao on the basis of a speech that he made at a convention in Delhi, concerning the state of Kashmir. A First Information Report was registered against Rao, along with writer ], professor ], who was acquitted in the ], and several ] professors.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kattakayam|first=Jiby|date=2010-11-27|title=Court orders FIR against Roy, Geelani|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Court-orders-FIR-against-Roy-Geelani/article15718425.ece|access-date=2020-07-20|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In 2010, police ordered the arrest of Rao on the basis of a speech that he made at a convention in Delhi, concerning the state of Kashmir. A First Information Report was registered against Rao, along with writer ], professor ], who was acquitted in the ], and several ] professors.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kattakayam|first=Jiby|date=2010-11-27|title=Court orders FIR against Roy, Geelani|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Court-orders-FIR-against-Roy-Geelani/article15718425.ece|access-date=2020-07-20|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


In 2011, Maoist leader ] was killed in an encounter with police. Rao criticised the police for the encounter, claiming that he had seen the body and that it showed distinct signs of torture.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2011-11-27|title=Distinct signs of torture on Kishenjis body: Varavara|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/distinct-signs-of-torture-on-kishenjis-body-varavara/|access-date=2020-07-20|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> In 2011, Maoist leader ] was killed in an encounter with police. Rao criticised the police for the encounter, claiming that he had seen the body and that it showed distinct signs of torture.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2011-11-27|title=Distinct signs of torture on Kishenjis body: Varavara|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/distinct-signs-of-torture-on-kishenjis-body-varavara/|access-date=2020-07-20|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>


In 2011, Rao was one of several persons accused in a case concerning a bomb placed near the car of a police superintendent in Ongole.<ref>{{Cite web|last=TNN|date=18 March 2011|title=Ongole blast trial begins|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Ongole-blast-trial-begins/articleshow/7731481.cms|access-date=2020-07-23|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> In 2011, Rao was one of several persons accused in a case concerning a bomb placed near the car of a police superintendent in Ongole.<ref>{{Cite web|last=TNN|date=18 March 2011|title=Ongole blast trial begins|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Ongole-blast-trial-begins/articleshow/7731481.cms|access-date=2020-07-23|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>


Rao was an active participant in the ], which aimed for the creation the separate state of ], by bifurcating the existing state of ]. Although the state of Telangana was formed in 2014, Rao was arrested in 2018 while paying homage, along with others, at a memorial for those killed during the movement.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Poet Vara Vara Rao, others arrested for trying to pay homage to Telangana martyrs|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2018/jan/22/poet-vara-vara-rao-others-arrested-for-trying-to-pay-homage-to-telangana-martyrs-1760860.html|access-date=2020-07-18|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Rao was an active participant in the ], which aimed for the creation the separate state of ], by bifurcating the existing state of ]. Although the state of Telangana was formed in 2014, Rao was arrested in 2018 while paying homage, along with others, at a memorial for those killed during the movement.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Poet Vara Vara Rao, others arrested for trying to pay homage to Telangana martyrs|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2018/jan/22/poet-vara-vara-rao-others-arrested-for-trying-to-pay-homage-to-telangana-martyrs-1760860.html|access-date=2020-07-18|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>
==== 2018: Elgaar Parishad case ====
During that time there was a widespread popular movement for the creation of a separate state of Telangana bifurcating the existing Andhra Pradesh. Varavara Rao has been a votary of this demand and stood with people since 1969 and this time round also he lent his support to the movement. He also became the President of Revolutionary Democratic Front, an all-India organisation that supports all peoples movement in the country. During the Telangana movement, as part of general repression and particular repression on revolutionary movement, Varavara Rao was also subjected to restrictions on his movement and expression. RDF was banned by the government. In 2014 June, Telangana state was formed. He was arrested four times during the two-year rule of new Telangana state, along with restrictions on meetings, widespread arrests, continuation of ban on RDF. {{citation needed|date=August 2019}}
⚫ On 28 August 2018, Rao was arrested in his home in Hyderabad for his alleged involvement in the ] that occurred on 1 January 2018.<ref name=":0" /> A First Information Report filed concerning that event alleged that on the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon, a program called the Elgaar Parishad had been organised in which leftist groups and ]s had participated. The police alleged that the speeches made at this event, including those by Rao and others, were responsible for inciting violence that occurred the next day.<ref name=":0" /> Some reports also suggest that there was an alleged plot to assassinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed at this event.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=Left Activist Varavara Rao Arrested Over Alleged Plot To Assassinate PM Modi|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/maoist-ideologue-varavara-rao-arrested-for-alleged-plot-to-assassinate-pm-modi/315671|access-date=2020-07-18|website=Outlook India}}</ref> These appear to be based a letter obtained by the police which refers to a person only identified as 'R'. Rao has denied any involvement in the alleged plot.<ref name=":4" />

=== Elgaar Parishad Case: Arrest and Imprisonment (2018) ===
⚫ On 28 August 2018, Rao was arrested in his home in Hyderabad for his alleged involvement in the ] that occurred on 1 January 2018.<ref name=":0" /> A First Information Report filed concerning that event alleged that on the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon, a program called the Elgaar Parishad had been organised in which leftist groups and ] had participated. The police alleged that the speeches made at this event, including those by Rao and others, were responsible for inciting violence that occurred the next day.<ref name=":0" /> Some reports also suggest that there was an alleged plot to assassinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed at this event.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Left Activist Varavara Rao Arrested Over Alleged Plot To Assassinate PM Modi|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/maoist-ideologue-varavara-rao-arrested-for-alleged-plot-to-assassinate-pm-modi/315671|access-date=2020-07-18|website=Outlook India}}</ref> These appear to be based a letter obtained by the police which refers to a person only identified as 'R'. Rao has denied any involvement in the alleged plot.<ref name=":4" /> Rao and others currently face charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, and repeated attempts to bail Rao out, on grounds of his failing health, have not succeeded.<ref name=":0" />


==== Covid-19 and NHRC Intervention ==== ==== Covid-19 and NHRC Intervention ====
During Rao's detention in Taloja Jail in Maharashtra, he was hospitalised and admitted to J.J. Hospital in Mumbai.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Vadlamudi|first=Swathi|date=2020-07-12|title=Varavara Rao’s health a concern, says family|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/varavara-raos-family-seeks-immediate-medical-treatment-for-poet/article32056898.ece|access-date=2020-07-18|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Following this, a special court ordered a report on his health while detained.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Saigal|first=Sonam|date=2020-05-30|title=Court seeks report on Varavara Rao's health|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/court-seeks-report-on-vara-vara-raos-health/article31708919.ece|access-date=2020-07-18|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In June 2020, Rao applied again for bail, on the grounds that he was highly vulnerable to Covid-19, and following a government recommendation that elderly inmates and those with co-morbidities should be released from jail in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, but were unsuccessful.<ref>{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=2020-06-19|title=Poet Varavara Rao seeks bail|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/poet-varavara-rao-seeks-bail/article31873293.ece|access-date=2020-07-18|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> His application for bail was supported by fourteen Members of Parliament, who wrote a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, raising concerns about his health as well as jail conditions during the Covid-19 pandemic in India.<ref>{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=2020-06-19|title=Poet Varavara Rao seeks bail|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/poet-varavara-rao-seeks-bail/article31873293.ece|access-date=2020-07-18|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> It was also supported by two former Chief Election Commissioners of India, who raised doubts about the alleged conspiracy case, and called on the National Investigation Agency to share information with the Mumbai Police regarding the case.<ref>{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=2020-05-31|title=Release Varavara Rao: ex-info commissioners|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/release-varavara-rao-ex-info-commissioners/article31716995.ece|access-date=2020-07-18|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> During Rao's detention in Taloja Jail in Maharashtra, he was hospitalised and admitted to J.J. Hospital in Mumbai.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Vadlamudi|first=Swathi|date=2020-07-12|title=Varavara Rao's health a concern, says family|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/varavara-raos-family-seeks-immediate-medical-treatment-for-poet/article32056898.ece|access-date=2020-07-18|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Following this, a special court ordered a report on his health while detained.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Saigal|first=Sonam|date=2020-05-30|title=Court seeks report on Varavara Rao's health|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/court-seeks-report-on-vara-vara-raos-health/article31708919.ece|access-date=2020-07-18|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In June 2020, Rao applied again for bail, on the grounds that he was highly vulnerable to Covid-19, and following a government recommendation that elderly inmates and those with co-morbidities should be released from jail in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, but were unsuccessful.<ref name="Poet Varavara Rao seeks bail">{{Cite news|date=2020-06-19|title=Poet Varavara Rao seeks bail|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/poet-varavara-rao-seeks-bail/article31873293.ece|access-date=2020-07-18|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> His application for bail was supported by fourteen Members of Parliament, who wrote a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, raising concerns about his health as well as jail conditions during the Covid-19 pandemic in India.<ref name="Poet Varavara Rao seeks bail"/> It was also supported by two former Chief Election Commissioners of India, who raised doubts about the alleged conspiracy case, and called on the NIA to share information with the Mumbai Police regarding the case.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-05-31|title=Release Varavara Rao: ex-info commissioners|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/release-varavara-rao-ex-info-commissioners/article31716995.ece|access-date=2020-07-18|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


On 16 July, Rao was once again admitted to J.J. Hospital in Mumbai, where he tested positive for Covid-19.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Reporter|first=Staff|date=2020-07-16|title=Varavara Rao tests positive for COVID-19|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/varavara-rao-tests-positive-for-covid-19/article32103559.ece|access-date=2020-07-18|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Following reports that Rao had been injured again while in the care of the hospital, resulting in a head injury,<ref>{{Cite web|last=TNN|date=20 July 2020|title=Mumbai: P Varavara Rao hit head on JJ Hospital bed and required stitches, says documents|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/mumbai-p-varavara-rao-hit-head-on-jj-hospital-bed-and-required-stitches-says-documents/articleshow/77057322.cms|access-date=2020-07-20|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> the ] ordered that he be moved to a private facility for medical treatment.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-07-17|title=Outrage as jailed Indian poet contracts Covid-19|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-53441846|access-date=2020-07-20}}</ref> Ra was then shifted to Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ghoshal|first=Somak|date=2020-07-20|title=What Telugu poet Varavara Rao’s prison diaries tell us about his politics|url=https://www.livemint.com/mint-lounge/features/what-telugu-poet-varavara-rao-s-prison-diaries-tell-us-about-his-politics-11595221102764.html|access-date=2020-07-26|website=Livemint|language=en}}</ref> The National Investigation Agency opposed Rao's plea for bail in court, arguing that he was trying to "take undue advantage" of the Covid-19 pandemic, although the hospital confirmed that Rao had tested positive for Covid-19 and was undergoing treatment.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mirror Online|date=21 July 2020|title=Varavara Rao is trying to take undue benefit of the COVID-19 pandemic and his old age to seek bail, says NIA|url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/crime/varavara-rao-is-trying-to-take-undue-benefit-of-the-covid-19-pandemic-and-his-old-age-and-seeking-bail-says-nia/articleshow/77090486.cms|access-date=2020-07-23|website=Mumbai Mirror|language=en}}</ref> On 16 July, Rao was once again admitted to J.J. Hospital in Mumbai, where he tested positive for Covid-19.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff Reporter|date=2020-07-16|title=Varavara Rao tests positive for COVID-19|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/varavara-rao-tests-positive-for-covid-19/article32103559.ece|access-date=2020-07-18|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Following reports that Rao had been injured again while in the care of the hospital, resulting in a head injury,<ref>{{Cite web|last=TNN|date=20 July 2020|title=Mumbai: P Varavara Rao hit head on JJ Hospital bed and required stitches, says documents|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/mumbai-p-varavara-rao-hit-head-on-jj-hospital-bed-and-required-stitches-says-documents/articleshow/77057322.cms|access-date=2020-07-20|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> the ] ordered that he be moved to a private facility for medical treatment.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-07-17|title=Outrage as jailed Indian poet contracts Covid-19|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-53441846|access-date=2020-07-20}}</ref> Rao was then shifted to Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ghoshal|first=Somak|date=2020-07-20|title=What Telugu poet Varavara Rao's prison diaries tell us about his politics|url=https://www.livemint.com/mint-lounge/features/what-telugu-poet-varavara-rao-s-prison-diaries-tell-us-about-his-politics-11595221102764.html|access-date=2020-07-26|website=Livemint|language=en}}</ref> The NIA opposed Rao's plea for bail in court, arguing that he was trying to "take undue advantage" of the Covid-19 pandemic, although the hospital confirmed that Rao had tested positive for Covid-19 and was undergoing treatment. Bombay High Court disapproved of the stance taken by the NIA and granted him a medical bail.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=2021-02-22 |title=Varavara Rao granted six-month bail on medical grounds |url=https://www.theleaflet.in/varavara-rao-granted-six-month-bail-on-medical-grounds-court-wouldve-abdicated-its-duty-of-protecting-poets-rights-if-bail-not-granted-says-bombay-hc/ |access-date=2021-03-07 |website=TheLeaflet |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Mirror Online|date=21 July 2020|title=Varavara Rao is trying to take undue benefit of the COVID-19 pandemic and his old age to seek bail, says NIA|url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/crime/varavara-rao-is-trying-to-take-undue-benefit-of-the-covid-19-pandemic-and-his-old-age-and-seeking-bail-says-nia/articleshow/77090486.cms|access-date=2020-07-23|website=Mumbai Mirror|language=en}}</ref>

==== Grant of bail ====
Rao and others currently face charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, and attempts to bail Rao out, on grounds of his failing health, finally came to fruition as the ] granted him a six-month bail on medical grounds and disapproved the stand of the ] in February 2022.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":0" /> On 10 August 2022, the Supreme Court converted the temporary bail granted to by the Bombay High Court to permanent bail, on medical grounds, citing both, his ill health as well as the fact that he had complied with all the temporary bail conditions, as the reason.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-10 |title=Supreme Court grants bail to activist Varavara Rao on medical grounds |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/supreme-court-bail-varavara-rao-bhima-koregaon-8081827/ |access-date=2022-08-10 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

== See also ==
⚫ * ]
* ]


== References == == References ==
Line 127: Line 128:


== External links == == External links ==
* * {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070503170202/http://www.varavararao.org/en/en_index.html|title=Official website|date=3 May 2007}}
*
⚫ *


== See also == ==Further reading==
* {{Cite news|date=2005-08-19|title=India state in key Maoist arrests|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4165274.stm|access-date=2021-07-08|work=BBC News}}
⚫ * ]
⚫ *


{{authority control}} {{authority control}}
Line 144: Line 144:
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
] ]
] ]
Line 151: Line 150:
] ]
] ]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 05:28, 2 July 2024

Indian writer (born 1940)

This biography of a living person needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately from the article and its talk page, especially if potentially libelous.
Find sources: "Varavara Rao" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (July 2020) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
Pendyala Varavara Rao
Born (1940-11-03) 3 November 1940 (age 84)
Chinnapendyala, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh
(now in Telangana), India
OccupationActivist, poet, journalist, literary critic, and public speaker
LanguageTelugu
Alma materOsmania University

Pendyala Varavara Rao (born 3 November 1940) is an Indian activist, poet, teacher, and writer from Telangana, India. He is an accused in the 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence and has been arrested under the non-bailable Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act . Rao was arrested on the charge of plotting to assassinate Indian prime minister, possibly based upon planted evidence. In August 2022, he was released on bail by the Supreme Court of India, on medical grounds.

Personal life and education

Pendyala Varavara Rao was born on 3 November 1940 in Chinna Pendyala, Warangal district into a Telugu Brahmin family. He studied at Chinna Pendyala, Warangal and Hyderabad. In 1960, he completed a post-graduate degree in Telugu literature from Osmania University.

Career and teaching

Rao initially taught Telugu literature at two different private colleges in Telangana, before joining the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Government of India as a publication assistant. He retired from teaching in 1998.

But later he left research to join a private college at Siddipet, Medak district as a lecturer. From there he switched over to DAVP, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, New Delhi to work as a Publication Assistant. Again he left the job to join as a lecturer in another private college at Jadcherla, Mahabubnagar district. He moved to Warangal to join Chanda Kanthaiah Memorial College (CKM College) where he worked as Telugu lecturer and later became its principal.

Writing

Rao is considered as one of the best critics in Telugu literature and taught Telugu literature to graduate and undergraduate students for about 40 years. He is known as an orator and had addressed thousands of public gatherings.

Publications and editorial work

In 1966, Rao founded a group called Saahithee Mithrulu (Friends of Literature), which started producing a literary journal called Srujana. The journal was initially published on a quarterly basis, but following wide popularity, it became a monthly journal in 1970. Srujana was published from 1966 to 1992, and focused on publishing the works of young, local poets. Srujana was later replaced with a new journal named Arunatara. Rao, along with a group of Telugu writers, periodically self-published stories, poems, and other literature, and sold them directly to book sellers.

Poetry

Rao began publishing poetry in the late 1950s in journals and magazines, and his first poetry collection Chali Negallu (Camp Fires) was published in 1968.

Varavara Rao has published fifteen poetry collections of his own besides editing a number of poetry anthologies. His poetry collections are: Chali Negallu (Camp Fires, 1968), Jeevanaadi (Pulse, 1970), Ooregimpu (Procession, 1973), Swechcha (Freedom, 1978), Samudram (Sea, 1983), Bhavishyathu Chitrapatam (Portrait of the Future, 1986), Muktakantam (Free Throat, 1990), Aa Rojulu (Those Days, 1998), Unnadedo Unnattu (As it is, 2000), Dagdhamauthunna Bagdad (Burning Bagdad, 2003), Mounam Oka Yuddhaneram (Silence is a War Crime, 2003), Antassootram (Undercurrent, 2006), Telangana Veeragatha (Legend of Telangana, 2007), Palapitta Paata (Song of Palapitta, 2007) and Beejabhoomi (Field of Seeds, 2014). In 2008, an anthology of selected poetry by Rao, titled Varavara Rao Kavitvam (1957-2007) (Varavara Rao's Poetry) was published.

Rao's work has been translated into English by Dr. D Venkat Rao (professor at the English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad).

His poetry has been translated into almost all Indian languages. His poetry collections appeared in Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi and a few Bengali and Hindi literary journals brought out special numbers of his poetry and writings.

In 1986, one of his poetry anthologies, Bhavishyathu Chitrapatam (Portrait of the Future), was banned by the state government.

Criticism

Rao's book, Telangana Liberation Struggle and Telugu Novel – A Study into Interconnection between Society and Literature (1983) is considered to be a landmark in Marxist literary criticism in Telugu. He published half a dozen volumes of literary criticism and a volume of his editorials in Srujana.

Prison diaries

During his periods of incarceration, Rao maintained and published a personal journal, Sahacharulu (1990), which was translated into English and published in 2010 as Captive Imagination. He also translated Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's prison diary, Detained, and novel, Devil on the Cross, into Telugu.

Political activism

1960s: Founding of Virasam

In 1967, Rao formed part of a generation of writers and poets that criticized the Telugu literary community's disengagement with politics. He was instrumental in founding two writer's associations that actively engaged in politics; the Tirugubatu Kavulu (Association of Rebel Poets) in Warangal, and the Viplava Rachayitala Sangham (Revolutionary Writers’ Association), popularly known as Virasam, in 1970. The group was inspired by the Naxalbari uprising and the Other members of Virasam included author Kutumba Rao, dramatist Rachakonda Viswanatha Sastri, poet and historian K.V. Ramana Reddy, Jwalamukhi, Nikhileswar, Nagna Muni and Cherabanda Raju. Virasam was closely associated with Dalit politics. As a member of Virasam, Rao participated in educational campaigns and contributed to several anthologies of writing published by authors connected with Virasam. He has been part of the executive committee of Virasam since its inception. Virasam was subsequently banned by the Andhra Pradesh State Government in 2005, for one year, under the Andhra Pradesh Public Security Act, 1992. It was banned again in 2013.

1973–75: Imprisonment during the Emergency

Rao was initially arrested in 1973 by the Andhra Pradesh State Government, under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act, on charges of inciting violence through his writing. Although he was released by an order of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, which rebuked the State Government for failing to show that his writings had resulted in actual violence, he was rearrested in 1975, during the Emergency, under the same law. He was released after this second arrest, as well.

The High Court of Andhra Pradesh struck down the order and released him after a month and a half. The High Court judgment asked the government not to resort to such actions against writers unless their writings have an immediate and direct bearing in a physical action. After a few months, the government charged a conspiracy case wherein all the actions of revolutionaries were shown as the direct consequences of a poem or a speech or a writing of revolutionary writers. Prominent Virasam leaders Cherabanda Raju, K. V. Ramana Reddy, T. Madhusudana Rao, M. T. Khan, Varavara Rao and M Ranganatham were implicated in the case along with 41 revolutionary activists. This conspiracy case, known as Secunderabad Conspiracy Case, was filed in May 1974 and ended in acquittal in February 1989, after 15 years of prolonged and tiresome trial. In connection with the Conspiracy Case, Varavara Rao was arrested in May 1974. He was denied bail several times and finally released on conditional bail in April 1975.Varavara Rao was arrested again on 26 June 1975, on the eve of proclamation of Indian Emergency. During Emergency, he was a detainee under the MISA. He was one of the few prisoners whose interviews with their relatives were restricted and their mail was subjected to stringent scrutiny. Though all the prisoners were released on the day when Emergency was lifted, Varavara Rao was arrested again at the entrance of the jail and was kept behind the bars for a week more on a fresh MISA warrant. He was released only when the new Janata Party government repealed the Act itself.

Varavara Rao was at the forefront in mobilising popular and democratic support to the widespread mass movements in northern Telangana during post-emergency days. As a consequence, he had to face mental harassment and physical assaults. He survived several attempts on his life by mercenaries of landlords as well as anti-social elements. A police official at Mandamarri, Adilabad district in April 1979, beat him on a public platform.

1980s: Labour Movement and Arrests

In 1985, Rao was one of 46 persons accused of attempting to overthrow the Andhra Pradesh Government in the Secunderabad Conspiracy Case. He was arrested in connection with this case, but subsequently released. Rao was also one of those arrested in the Ramnagar conspiracy case, and accused of attending a meeting in which there was a plan made to assassinate two police officials. Seventeen years later, in 2003, he was completely acquitted of all charges in relation to this case.

After Varavara Rao went to jail, his interviews were restricted and under severe surveillance. His mail, including registered newspapers, was censored for months together. He was implicated in two more cases while he was in jail. After a stifling repression period between 1985 and 1989 under the Telugu Desam Party rule, the newly elected Indian National Congress government allowed a little relaxation for a short period after December 1989.

In May 1990, Rao spoke at an event organised by the Andhra Pradesh Raitu Coolie Sanghama labourers' political party which holds an annual conference for laborers and peasants in Hyderabad. 1.2. million people attended the event, in which Rao spoke about providing land rights to farm laborers and workers.

2004: Peace Emissary to Naxals

In 2001, the Telugu Desam government in Andhra Pradesh accepted a proposal to have peace negotiations with members of two banned organisations, Communist Party of India (Maoist) and People's War. Varavara Rao, Kalyana Rao and Gaddar were accepted by both sides as peace emissaries, to establish the conditions under which the peace agreement would be negotiated. Rao called for a partial lifting of the ban on these organisations in order to facilitate peace talks, and advocated a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict. Three meetings to negotiate a resolution to the conflict were held; however, Rao and the other emissaries resigned from their positions before the fourth scheduled meeting, citing the fact that the Naxal parties had pulled out of negotiations and that the State government had not, in their view, participated in good faith. Rao also noted that there were five police encounters during the negotiations, in which members of the banned parties were killed despite a temporary cease-fire. His efforts were subsequently lauded by the then-Home Minister for the State of Andhra Pradesh, K Jana Reddy who wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020 asking him to grant bail to an unwell, imprisoned Rao and, noting that, "As the then Home Minister I carried the responsibility of holding peace talks between the then AP government and Naxal parties in the year 2004 October. Mr Rao played a significant role in creating cordial climate in conducting these peace talks and was genuinely interested in bringing peace in the state.”

The peace process ended with the imposition of ban on CPI (Maoist), Virasam and some other people's organisations on 18 August 2005.

1990s–2010s: Telangana Movement

Varavara Rao, along with a number of organisations stood in the forefront in exposing and resisting the pro-globalisation and liberalisation policies of Chandrababu Naidu who came to power in 1994. During Chandrababu Naidu's government, three Central Committee members of Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Peoples War were arrested in Bangalore and killed. Some private criminal gangs killed T. Purushotham and Md Azam Ali, leaders of APCLC and life-threat to Varavara Rao turned imminent.

Within 24 hours of imposition of ban on Virasam, Varavara Rao and Kalyana Rao, were arrested on 19 August 2005 under AP Public Security Act and sent to Chanchalguda Central Prison in Hyderabad. Since his arrest, 7 new cases were charged against him. Apart from an earlier case of 1999 (pertaining to a protest meeting against the killings of three top leaders of Peoples War), and the case regarding the ban on Virasam, the remaining six cases pertain to the period of talks between the government and the Naxalites. When the government revoked the AP Public Security Act against Virasam through GO Ms No. 503 of 11 November 2005, the cases against Varavara Rao and Kalyana Rao should have become redundant. In the normal course, Public Prosecutor should have informed the court about the redundancy of the cases. However, that order has not reached the court and Varavara Rao and Kalyana Rao had to undergo a number of adjournments of the case after the lifting of the ban. Finally, the court struck down the case on Varavara Rao under the Public Security Act on 31 March 2006 and he obtained bails for all other cases by the time. He was released from jail under bail on 31 March 2006 after a period of about eight months.

In 2010, police ordered the arrest of Rao on the basis of a speech that he made at a convention in Delhi, concerning the state of Kashmir. A First Information Report was registered against Rao, along with writer Arundhati Roy, professor S.A.R. Geelani, who was acquitted in the Parliament attack case, and several Kashmir University professors.

In 2011, Maoist leader Kishenji was killed in an encounter with police. Rao criticised the police for the encounter, claiming that he had seen the body and that it showed distinct signs of torture.

In 2011, Rao was one of several persons accused in a case concerning a bomb placed near the car of a police superintendent in Ongole.

Rao was an active participant in the Telangana movement, which aimed for the creation the separate state of Telangana, by bifurcating the existing state of Andhra Pradesh. Although the state of Telangana was formed in 2014, Rao was arrested in 2018 while paying homage, along with others, at a memorial for those killed during the movement.

2018: Elgaar Parishad case

On 28 August 2018, Rao was arrested in his home in Hyderabad for his alleged involvement in the Bhima-Koregaon violence that occurred on 1 January 2018. A First Information Report filed concerning that event alleged that on the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon, a program called the Elgaar Parishad had been organised in which leftist groups and Naxalites had participated. The police alleged that the speeches made at this event, including those by Rao and others, were responsible for inciting violence that occurred the next day. Some reports also suggest that there was an alleged plot to assassinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed at this event. These appear to be based a letter obtained by the police which refers to a person only identified as 'R'. Rao has denied any involvement in the alleged plot.

Covid-19 and NHRC Intervention

During Rao's detention in Taloja Jail in Maharashtra, he was hospitalised and admitted to J.J. Hospital in Mumbai. Following this, a special court ordered a report on his health while detained. In June 2020, Rao applied again for bail, on the grounds that he was highly vulnerable to Covid-19, and following a government recommendation that elderly inmates and those with co-morbidities should be released from jail in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, but were unsuccessful. His application for bail was supported by fourteen Members of Parliament, who wrote a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, raising concerns about his health as well as jail conditions during the Covid-19 pandemic in India. It was also supported by two former Chief Election Commissioners of India, who raised doubts about the alleged conspiracy case, and called on the NIA to share information with the Mumbai Police regarding the case.

On 16 July, Rao was once again admitted to J.J. Hospital in Mumbai, where he tested positive for Covid-19. Following reports that Rao had been injured again while in the care of the hospital, resulting in a head injury, the National Human Rights Commission ordered that he be moved to a private facility for medical treatment. Rao was then shifted to Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai. The NIA opposed Rao's plea for bail in court, arguing that he was trying to "take undue advantage" of the Covid-19 pandemic, although the hospital confirmed that Rao had tested positive for Covid-19 and was undergoing treatment. Bombay High Court disapproved of the stance taken by the NIA and granted him a medical bail.

Grant of bail

Rao and others currently face charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, and attempts to bail Rao out, on grounds of his failing health, finally came to fruition as the Bombay High Court granted him a six-month bail on medical grounds and disapproved the stand of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in February 2022. On 10 August 2022, the Supreme Court converted the temporary bail granted to by the Bombay High Court to permanent bail, on medical grounds, citing both, his ill health as well as the fact that he had complied with all the temporary bail conditions, as the reason.

See also

References

  1. "Bhima Koregaon violence probe: Police claim conclusive proof against activists, seize 'letters' planning 'big action'". First Post. 31 August 2018. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  2. Rao, Srinivas (28 August 2018). "Modi assassination plot: Maoist ideologue P Vara Vara Rao arrested from Hyderabad, say family members". HT. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  3. Masih, Niha; Slater, Joanna (6 July 2021). "Evidence found on a second Indian activist's computer was planted, report says". The Washington Post. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
  4. ^ "Varavara Rao: Understanding his politics, literary work, and the Elgar Parishad case". The Indian Express. 17 July 2020. Retrieved 17 July 2020.
  5. Venugopal, N. "Charges against activist VV Rao echo cases he's faced for 45 years – but never been found guilty of". Scroll.in. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  6. ^ "Sub-Heading -'A Maoist Ideologue' in 'Urban Naxal' Varavara Rao No Stranger to Political Imprisonments". The Quint. 29 August 2018.
  7. ^ "Writing as Righting: The Politics and Poetics of Varavara Rao". The Wire. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  8. ^ "The poet as the revolutionary - Talking with Varavara Rao » RAIOT". RAIOT. 1 July 2016. Retrieved 18 July 2020.
  9. ^ "Varavara Rao (poet) - India - Poetry International". www.poetryinternational.org. Retrieved 18 July 2020.
  10. Cherian, Saji (23 August 2005). "The States Of Denial". Outlook India. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  11. Bureau, Our Regional (18 August 2005). "Government re-imposes ban on Maoists". Business Standard India. Retrieved 24 July 2020. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  12. Gandikota-Nellutla, Varsha (15 July 2020). "When the State Fears a Poet". Boston Review. Retrieved 20 July 2020.
  13. ^ TNN (2 June 2002). "PW emissaries to prepare ground for talks". The Times of India. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  14. Bureau, Our Political (5 April 2005). "Andhra peace talks hit block". Business Standard India. Retrieved 24 July 2020. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  15. "PWG BLASTS GOVT ON PEACE PROCESS". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  16. TNM Staff (24 July 2020). "Ex Andhra Home Minister recalls Varavara Rao's role as peace emissary, appeals to PM". The News Minute. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  17. Kattakayam, Jiby (27 November 2010). "Court orders FIR against Roy, Geelani". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 20 July 2020.
  18. "Distinct signs of torture on Kishenjis body: Varavara". The Indian Express. 27 November 2011. Retrieved 20 July 2020.
  19. TNN (18 March 2011). "Ongole blast trial begins". The Times of India. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  20. "Poet Vara Vara Rao, others arrested for trying to pay homage to Telangana martyrs". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 18 July 2020.
  21. ^ "Left Activist Varavara Rao Arrested Over Alleged Plot To Assassinate PM Modi". Outlook India. Retrieved 18 July 2020.
  22. Vadlamudi, Swathi (12 July 2020). "Varavara Rao's health a concern, says family". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 18 July 2020.
  23. Saigal, Sonam (30 May 2020). "Court seeks report on Varavara Rao's health". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 18 July 2020.
  24. ^ "Poet Varavara Rao seeks bail". The Hindu. 19 June 2020. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 18 July 2020.
  25. "Release Varavara Rao: ex-info commissioners". The Hindu. 31 May 2020. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 18 July 2020.
  26. Staff Reporter (16 July 2020). "Varavara Rao tests positive for COVID-19". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 18 July 2020.
  27. TNN (20 July 2020). "Mumbai: P Varavara Rao hit head on JJ Hospital bed and required stitches, says documents". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 July 2020.
  28. "Outrage as jailed Indian poet contracts Covid-19". BBC News. 17 July 2020. Retrieved 20 July 2020.
  29. Ghoshal, Somak (20 July 2020). "What Telugu poet Varavara Rao's prison diaries tell us about his politics". Livemint. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  30. ^ "Varavara Rao granted six-month bail on medical grounds". TheLeaflet. 22 February 2021. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  31. Mirror Online (21 July 2020). "Varavara Rao is trying to take undue benefit of the COVID-19 pandemic and his old age to seek bail, says NIA". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  32. "Supreme Court grants bail to activist Varavara Rao on medical grounds". The Indian Express. 10 August 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.

External links

Further reading

Categories: