# Opposition targets Modi over speech fumble and ‘dimaagi Naxal’ remark 2026-08-15T10:42:14+00:00 | Politics | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets Opposition leaders criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he appeared to fumble while speaking about India’s bioeconomy during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort. Congress leader Pawan Khera shared the clip, while AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal called Modi “under-confident, nervous and shaky”. The address lasted around 75 minutes, making it his shortest Independence Day speech in four years, according to Hindustan Times. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also objected to Modi’s reference to “dimaagi Naxals”, or ideological Naxals, who he said could push young people towards anarchy. Ramesh called the phrase political rhetoric and compared it with the earlier use of “urban Naxal”. Congress also criticised Modi’s remarks on women’s reservation, delimitation and the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. ## Coverage - hindustantimes.com - news.abplive.com Tags: Aam Aadmi Party, Congress, Narendra Modi, Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, Red Fort Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/opposition-targets-modi-over-speech-stumble-and-dimaagi-naxal-remark/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/opposition-targets-modi-over-speech-stumble-and-dimaagi-naxal-remark/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.