Bhubaneswar, Sept. 12: Maoists are reported to be making an attempt to expand their base in southern Odisha where a factional fight had broken out among them following the abduction of two Italian nationals by the rebel group led by Sabyasachi Panda in March.

Sources said leaders of the Andhra-Odisha Special Border Zonal Committee, who fell out with Panda who has since been expelled from the CPI(Maoist), the parent party, were trying to set up new bases in the Dandakaranya forests of Malkangiri and adjoining Koraput.

The attempt to create new bases is not only aimed to expand the Maoist organisation, but also strengthen certain groups of the rebels, which have splintered in the past few years following differences among top leaders. One of the leaders, whom the committee is keen to win over, is Nikhil, who now operates in parts of Rayagada bordering Koraput.

Sources said Nikhil, who was once the most trusted lieutenant of Panda, decided to strike out on his own following differences with his mentor on ideological issues and has since formed his own group, which is now calling the shots in parts of Rayagada. Nikhil’s support is crucial to the committee’s expansion in southern Odisha, as with his help, they can further undermine the influence of Panda, who despite his attenuated support base, remains a threat to the Maoist organisation.

Yet another reasons for the Maoist leadership, trying to set up new bases in Malkangiri and Koraput, is drastic reduction in the organisation’s cadre strength in certain areas. “These are areas where a large number of Maoist cadres were either killed or arrested by police. With the creation of new bases, the organisation can launch a fresh recruitment drive,” said sources.

On the other hand, the war between Panda and the Maoist leaders drawn from Andhra Pradesh continues with the latter reportedly hunting for the elusive rebel chief, who has since floated his own independent organisation called the Maobadi Party of Odisha. Senior police officials admitted that rivals were gunning for Panda, whose options have shrunk as the security forces are also hot on his trail. “If he does not surrender, he ruins the risk of getting killed. He must realise that his time is up,” said a police officer.