Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Opposition leaders launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Modi after his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, in which he claimed Naxalism was nearing its end in the country while introducing the term “dimagi naxal” (ideological or mindset-driven Naxal) to describe those he alleged had previously influenced government committees and policies with a Maoist mindset.
Modi Says ‘Mindset Naxals’ Now Seeking Opportunities
Modi said the country needed to identify individuals harbouring such an ideology, stating that while significant success had been achieved against armed Naxals in the forests, those with a “dimagi naxal” mindset were now looking for opportunities to act.
Jairam Ramesh Draws Parallel to Earlier ‘Urban Naxal’ Term
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh reminded that Modi had earlier coined the term “urban naxal” for his political opponents, arguing that shifting to “dimagi naxal” now was a clear sign of desperation. He remarked that, ironically, the government often ends up implementing the very policies advocated by those it labels as urban or mindset Naxals, adding pointedly that Modi holds what he called a “mastery in political abuse.”
Chidambaram Declares ‘Proud to Be a Dimagi Naxal’
Reacting to the PM’s remarks, Congress leader P. Chidambaram posted on X on Sunday, “I am proud to be a dimagi naxal!” in a pointed jab at Modi’s comment.
CPIM’s M.A. Baby Accuses Government of Rights Violations
CPIM general secretary M.A. Baby said his party opposes Naxalism but accused the government of violating the law and Constitution in its handling of Maoists, clarifying that Naxalism as a political ideology is one his party fundamentally disagrees with. Referring to the PM’s speech, he said the government was now labelling opposition figures as having a “Naxal mindset,” alleging that such rhetoric was consistently used to brand opposition voices as anti-national or suggest they should leave for Pakistan. Baby further accused the Modi government of state-sponsored violence, claiming that arrested Naxals had been shot in custody instead of being produced before courts through due legal process.
