'PM Modi didn't say…': Kiren Rijiju shares 'dimagi naxals' list after Opposition's 'proud to be' jibe

Union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju responded to opposition criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day speech, asserting that Modi did not call opposition leaders "dimagi naxal" or those with a Naxal mindset. Rijiju shared a list on X, claiming it was the one Modi referenced in his speech from the Red Fort, stating that the individuals deemed "dimagi naxal" are those who support Maoists, stand with separatists, and want to divide North-East India.

The remarks by Modi have sparked controversy among opposition parties, with Congress leader P Chidambaram even proudly declaring himself a "dimagi naxal." Modi emphasized that while Naxalites in the jungle have been eliminated, "dimagi naxal" individuals pose a threat to the country's unity and must be identified and isolated. The Congress dismissed Modi's warnings as hollow rhetoric, drawing parallels to previous debates on "urban naxals" and accusing the government of hypocritically adopting the policies of its critics.