‘We’re dimagi Naxals’: P Chidambaram, Kejriwal. ‘No, pure Naxals’, BJP snaps

Congress leaders P Chidambaram, Arvind Kejriwal, and TMC MP Mahua Moitra have criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement on "dimagi Naxals" during Independence Day speeches. Modi highlighted that while armed Naxalism has decreased, individuals with a "Naxal mentality" still pose a threat. He urged identifying and isolating these "dimagi Naxals," whom he described as ideologues seeking to revive violence and anarchy.

Chidambaram defended the term "dimagi Naxals" on social media, labeling it as a new variant of derogatory attacks on opposition members and groups like Andolanjeevi and Tukde Tukde Gang. He questioned the origins of these labels and argued that they have historically targeted opposition figures.

Kejriwal also embraced the label, stating he was proud to be a "dimagi Naxal" and criticizing the BJP for targeting individuals challenging the government. He referenced Bhagat Singh and B R Ambedkar, suggesting they could have been labeled "dimagi Naxals" for their opposition to authority.

BJP leaders, including union minister Kiren Rijiju and national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi, defended Modi's comments, contending that the term specifically refers to those supporting Maoists and rejecting the Indian Constitution. They argued that Chidambaram's criticism was "unfortunate" and "highly damaging," emphasizing that Modi did not label opposition leaders as "dimagi Naxals."

Trivedi questioned why Chidambaram, a former Home Minister, would adopt the label, suggesting an inquiry into whether he had failed to act against Naxalism during his tenure. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma went further, calling Chidambaram a "pure Naxal" and calling for an inquiry into his actions. Trivedi also referenced former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statement on Naxalism being the "single biggest internal security challenge" faced by India, questioning the validity of Chidambaram's response.