Only those who support Maoists, separatists are ‘dimagi Naxals: Rijiju after Opposition's criticism
· India · The Hindu, Indian Express, ThePrint
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s use of the term "dimagi Naxals" referred only to people who support Maoists and separatists and reject the Indian Constitution, not to opposition leaders. He listed four categories of those he considered dimagi Naxals, including supporters of Article 370 and those wishing to segregate the North‑East, citing student activist Sarjeel Imam who is under UAPA custody. Congress MP Pawan Khera criticised Rijiju’s counting, while former Congress leader P. Chidambaram defended the prime minister. The remarks were made following Modi’s Independence Day speech warning of intellectual Naxals entrenched in the system. Opposition leaders called the tone “stigmatising dissent” and saw the comments as an attempt to silence questioning voices.
Why it matters
The exchange escalates political polarization between the ruling BJP and opposition parties, influencing public discourse and shaping perceptions of dissent in India.
Read the original report — The Hindu
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