Political Row Erupts Over Prime Minister Modi's 'Dimagi Naxalite' Remark
2 sources · India
Who reported this
- The Hindu
- Hindustan Times
What the colours mean
- Left
- Centre-left
- Centre
- Centre-right
- Right
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A political controversy has emerged following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day speech on August 15, 2026, in which he used the term "dimagi Naxalite" to describe individuals who hinder the growth and prosperity of India and the achievement of Viksit Bharat. While the Prime Minister did not name specific individuals, the remark triggered an uproar among the Opposition. Congress leader P. Chidambaram responded by stating he was proud to be a "dimagi Naxal."
Following Chidambaram's comment, several government figures have criticized him. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called Chidambaram a "pure Naxal" and suggested an inquiry into whether Chidambaram deliberately failed to curb Naxalism during his tenure as home minister. Similarly, Lanka Dinakar, Chairman of the Twenty Points Programme Implementation, questioned Chidambaram on the number of police personnel and civilians killed by Naxalites between 2004 and 2014 under the UPA government. Kiren Rijiju clarified the Prime Minister's intent on X, stating that the term referred to those who support Maoists, reject the Constitution, support separatists, or seek to separate the North East from India.
Beyond the political debate, a "Dimagi Naxal Party" account appeared on Instagram and gained over 100,000 followers within 24 hours. The account later reported that it had been temporarily restricted and that two posts were removed due to legal requirements.
How each side framed it
- Centre-left
- The reporting focused on the specific questions raised by Lanka Dinakar regarding the UPA government's record on Naxalism.
- Centre-right
- The reporting emphasized the accusations made by Himanta Biswa Sarma and the viral social media reaction to the Prime Minister's speech.
Sources
- Centre-right Hindustan Times: Assam CM Himanta Sarma takes ‘pure naxal’ jibe at Chidambaram's 'proud to be dimagi naxal' remark
- Centre-right Hindustan Times: Dimagi Naxal Party's Instagram account temporarily restricted after blowing up on platform
- Centre-left The Hindu: Dinakar questions Chidambaram on ‘Dimagi Naxalite’
100% of the statements in this article were traced back to the source articles listed above.