Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday clarified Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reference to “Dimagi Naxals” in his Independence Day address, saying the term was aimed at people who support Maoists, reject the Constitution or back separatist causes.
Rijiju’s clarification came after Congress leader P Chidambaram said he was “proud to be a dimagi Naxal”, responding to Modi’s remarks about people with Maoist thinking.
Kiren Rijiju explains ‘Dimagi Naxals’ remark
In a post on X, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said PM Modi had not referred to Opposition leaders as “Dimagi Naxals”.
Rijiju said the term referred to those who support Maoists and reject the Indian Constitution, back separatist movements or support Article 370. He also included people who advocate cutting off the “Chicken’s Neck”, the narrow corridor connecting northeastern India with the rest of the country.
The Siliguri Corridor, popularly known as the Chicken’s Neck, is a narrow stretch of land in West Bengal that connects the northeastern states with the rest of India.
What did PM Modi say about ‘Dimagi Naxals’?
During his Independence Day address, PM Modi said India had made significant progress in tackling armed Maoist insurgency. He also warned about what he described as people with a “Maoist mindset” who, according to him, continue to seek opportunities to influence public life and institutions.
The Prime Minister said such individuals should be identified and isolated so that the country could move forward.
His remarks triggered a political debate, with Opposition leaders questioning the use of the term “Dimagi Naxal”.
P Chidambaram reacts to PM Modi’s remarks
Congress leader P Chidambaram responded to the controversy on X on Sunday, saying he was “proud to be a dimagi Naxal.”
His remark came amid a broader political exchange over PM Modi’s comments and the meaning of the term used in his Independence Day speech.
The controversy has since intensified, with Rijiju attempting to clarify whom the government considers to be covered by the phrase “Dimagi Naxals”.
