Rijiju: Only Maoist, Separatist Supporters Are ‘Dimaagi Naxals’
Union minister Kiren Rijiju says the Prime Minister was not referring to Opposition leaders, while BJP and Congress leaders trade sharp barbs over the Independence Day speech.
NEW DELHI, Aug 16: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday clarified Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s controversial “dimaagi Naxal” remark, saying it was aimed at people who support Maoist ideology, separatism and positions that challenge the Indian Constitution, and not at Opposition leaders.
In his Independence Day address on Saturday, Modi warned that although armed Naxalism had weakened, an ideological form of the movement continued to operate within sections of society. He urged citizens to identify and isolate what he described as “dimaagi Naxals”.
The Prime Minister’s remarks triggered a political confrontation, with Opposition leaders accusing the government of using the term to stigmatise dissent and those who criticise its policies.
Responding to the criticism, Rijiju said Modi had not labelled Opposition leaders as “dimaagi Naxals”. In a post on X, the Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister listed people who, according to him, fall under the description.
He said the term applied to those who support Maoists and reject the Constitution, back separatist forces and support the restoration of Article 370. Rijiju also referred to people advocating the separation of the northeastern region from the rest of India.
His reference to attempts to “cut the chicken neck” was seen as an allusion to student activist Sharjeel Imam, who is facing proceedings under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in connection with the 2020 northeast Delhi riots case.
The clarification drew a sarcastic response from Congress leaders. Rajya Sabha MP Pawan Khera took a dig at Rijiju over the numbering of his list, pointing out that the minister had moved from “2” directly to “4”.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also joined the exchange, commenting on Khera’s post and mocking what he described as the minister’s political reasoning.
Former Union home minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram, meanwhile, said he was “proud” to be a “dimaagi Naxal”, apparently in response to the controversy surrounding the Prime Minister’s remarks.
The BJP strongly criticised Chidambaram’s statement.
BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad described it as irresponsible and argued that the phrase referred to individuals who support Maoist ideology from urban centres while helping the movement with intellectual, financial or logistical backing.
Prasad said such individuals defend Maoist violence in public forums and write in support of the movement when public anger rises over attacks attributed to Naxal groups.
BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra also targeted Chidambaram, saying his acceptance of the label raised questions about the Congress-led UPA government’s record in dealing with Left-wing extremism.
Patra cited figures relating to deaths of security personnel and civilians during the 2004-14 period and alleged that the then government failed to effectively tackle Naxal violence.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey separately shared an old video of Chidambaram discussing the need for a broader debate before India acquired nuclear weapons. Dubey questioned whether the remarks could fit the description of a “dimaagi Naxal”.
BJP national general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh and the party’s IT department head Amit Malviya also criticised the former Union minister, further intensifying the political exchange.
The controversy has now turned Modi’s Independence Day reference into a wider debate between the ruling BJP and the Opposition over dissent, Maoist ideology, separatism and the limits of political criticism.
