Kiren Rijiju lists who ‘dimagi naxals’ are, Congress’ Chidambaram says ‘proud to be one’

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarified that Prime Minister Modi's mention of "dimagi Naxals" in his Independence Day speech was not directed at opposition leaders. He explained that "dimagi Naxals" referred to individuals who support Maoists, reject the constitution, back separatists, and call for the removal of the Chicken's Neck corridor. The Chicken's Neck is the narrow land passage in West Bengal that links the northeastern states with the rest of India.

The clarification followed Modi's speech in which he accused people with a Maoist ideology of infiltrating government positions and shaping policymaking. He also highlighted the long-standing impact of Naxalism, which has led to deaths and plagued certain regions for decades. Modi called for identifying and isolating those with "dimagi Naxal" mentality.

Congress leader P Chidambaram responded to Modi's remarks, proclaiming his pride in being a "dimagi Naxal." While the Opposition questioned the use of the term, alleging it targeted those who oppose the government, Chidambaram accused the government of labeling critics as Naxals and later adopting their concerns. He cited the example of the caste census, which the government previously dismissed but later implemented.

President Droupadi Murmu also referenced Naxalism in her Independence Day eve address, describing it as a challenge to India for decades. She emphasized that development efforts have begun reaching Naxal-affected areas.