BJP MP pillories ‘violent ideology’ of ‘dimagi Naxals’
Congress reacts sharply, says the ‘authoritarian BJP regime will try to single out and target intellectuals, academicians, journalists and writers who speak about logic, reasoning, democratic values and just society’
In a video posted on Facebook on August 17, 2026, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha MP Brij Lal criticized "intellectual Naxals" or "dimagi Naxals," individuals he claimed posed a greater threat to India than left-wing extremists in forested regions. Lal argued that these Naxalites, who reside in cities and impersonate academics, writers, and intellectuals, spread their violent ideology among young people through articles and conferences.
He claimed their main goal was to undermine public trust in India's democratic institutions, including the Constitution, judiciary, and security forces. The Congress Party reacted strongly to Lal's remarks, accusing the BJP of targeting intellectuals and democrats. Congress national secretary Shahnawaz Alam stated that Lal's comments showed the BJP's intention to oppress certain sections of society.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously stated on Independence Day that Naxalism had been defeated, but "dimagi Naxals" needed to be identified and isolated to unite India's youth towards the goals of 'Viksit Bharat'.
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