Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reference to “dimagi Naxals” during his Independence Day address has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who described the comments as evidence of political unease.
Speaking from the Red Fort on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, the Prime Minister said armed Naxal groups had largely been eliminated from forested areas. He cautioned, however, that individuals with a “Naxal mentality” continued to pose a threat by seeking opportunities to promote violence and anarchy. He urged that such “dimagi Naxals” be identified and isolated, adding that people with Maoist ideology had earlier established themselves in positions of influence and shaped policy as advisers on government committees.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh responded that the remark represented a clear sign of desperation. He noted that opponents had previously been labelled “urban Naxals” and were now being called “dimagi Naxals.” Ramesh also observed that the government often ended up adopting positions or demands associated with those it criticised under these terms.
Congress leader Sachin Pilot said the comments indicated that the Prime Minister was rattled. He argued that earlier, those who opposed the ruling party were branded anti-national, but citizens were now raising direct questions about governance and delivery of results.
Communist Party of India general secretary D Raja described the remarks as an effort to stigmatise dissent and intimidate critics. He questioned why issues concerning education and employment remained unaddressed, pointing to the closure of nearly a lakh government schools and the struggles of young people seeking secure jobs. Raja said Independence Day should be used to respond to citizens’ concerns rather than create new labels.
Trinamool Congress leader Saket Gokhale called it shameful that the national occasion was used to target opponents with the term. He linked the comment to recent protests by young people over competitive examinations and the police response during those demonstrations, which had led to the resignation of the Union education minister.
The phrase “urban Naxals” had earlier gained currency after the arrest of several activists and academics in connection with the Elgar Parishad case in 2018 and has since been applied to some critics of the government