Described as the birthplace of the Naxal movement in Andhra Pradesh, the district, with a long history of atrocities by the local landlords, has served as a breeding ground for several charismatic Maoist leaders for the last 35 years.

It was at Karimnagar where Chandra Pulla Reddy and Kondapalli Seetharamaiah gave shape to the rebel factions comprising students, women, farmers and industry workers.

Pedapalli was the epicentre of the movement launched by bonded farm labourers-a rebellion which claimed several landlords. Subsequently, police forces were deployed forcing the peasants to resort to guerilla warfare.

Even during the emergency, the erstwhile Congress government had supported the landlords and deployed military forces to crush the rebels. Nearly, 600 Maoists were killed in the Dandakaranya forests in Karimnagar and Warangal districts. At least 15 members of the Maoist central committee traces their roots to Karimnagar, including Ganapati, General Secretary of the CPI (Maoist) politburo, who belongs to Birur village in the district. Sadhu, head of the Dandakarayna zonal special committee, belongs to the Siricilla town of the district.

 Besides, Mallojula Venugopal, Kishenji‘s younger brother and a member of the central committee and around 50 other second rung Maoist leaders belong to Karimnagar.

The funerals of all prominent Maoist leaders killed in police encounters are major events at Karimnagar, drawing sympathisers from the entire Telangana and coastal Andhra regions.

The district has also found significant mentions in the silver screen with Jagityal town here serving as the backdrop for “Dasi,” a film based on the brutality of landlords in Telangana.