Rijiju: Only Maoist and separatist supporters are 'dimagi Naxals'

Published Aug 16, 02:26 PM UTC

On August 15, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the term 'dimagi Naxals' (intellectual Naxals) in his 80th Independence Day speech, warning they are entrenched in the system and threaten society. The remark sparked political controversy, with Opposition leaders calling it an attempt to stigmatize dissent. Congress leader P. Chidambaram said he was 'proud to be a dimagi naxal'. On August 16, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarified that the PM was not referring to opposition leaders but only to those who support Maoists, separatists, reject the Indian Constitution, or advocate for the separation of Northeast India. BJP leaders also defended the remark and attacked Chidambaram over past statements on nuclear weapons.