Congress hits Modi over ‘dimagi naxal’; Fadnavis backs remark

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reference to political opponents as 'dimagi naxals' (intellectual Naxals) in his Independence Day speech has sparked a sharp exchange between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Congress Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh called the remark a sign of desperation, noting that Modi had earlier used 'urban naxal' only to later adopt the same demands he criticised. Ramesh pointed to the caste census as an example, saying the government now plans to conduct one after initially opposing it.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended Modi's phrase, calling 'dimagi naxalwad' more dangerous than armed naxalism. He singled out former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, alleging she objected to the full singing of Vande Mataram at a Congress event. The Congress denied this, stating Gandhi only asked for a chair for Mallikarjun Kharge. Fadnavis described her actions as 'arajakta' (chaos) and an insult to constitutional authority.

The controversy comes as Maharashtra enforces the Special Public Security Act, passed in July 2025 amid concerns over its impact on civil liberties. Fadnavis also assured that Zeeshan Siddique continues to receive police protection, with additional security being assessed after death threats.