# Chidambaram questions Modi’s ‘Dimagi Naxals’ label, Opposition hits back

2026-08-16T20:22:59+00:00 | Politics | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

Congress leader P Chidambaram has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to isolate 'Dimagi Naxals', calling it the BJP's latest political label to discredit opponents. In a post on X, Chidambaram asked who were earlier dubbed 'urban naxals', 'andolanjeevis', and 'tukde tukde gang', asserting these were vague abuses, not precise threats. Modi in his Independence Day speech warned against intellectual Naxals who sympathise with Maoist ideology and try to brainwash youth. Congress's Jairam Ramesh called the term a 'sure sign of desperation', noting the government later adopted policies like a caste census that such critics demanded. Others, including advocate Prashant Bhushan, questioned branding questioning youth as Naxals. Union minister Kiren Rijiju defended Modi, saying 'Dimagi Naxals' refer only to those who support Maoists, reject the Constitution, back separatists, or seek to divide the Northeast. The exchange has sharpened political polarisation ahead of further debate.

## Coverage

- telanganatoday.com <https://telanganatoday.com/urban-naxals-to-dimagi-naxals-chidambaram-questions-bjp-labels>
- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/proud-dimaagi-naxal-opposition-leaders-p-chidambaram-jairam-ramesh-congress-pm-modi-independence-day-speech-101786865487014.html>

This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources. Last updated 2026-08-16T21:17:00+00:00.

Tags: BJP, Congress, Dimagi Naxals, Narendra Modi, P Chidambaram
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