Chidambaram, CPM hit back at Modi for ‘dimagi naxal’ remark

Congress leader P Chidambaram said he was proud to be a 'dimagi naxal' after Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned against such people in his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort. The CPI(M) also hit out, accusing Modi of using the label to stigmatise dissenters and protesters at Jantar Mantar.

Modi said armed Naxalism was ending but ideological supporters were seeking opportunities to promote violence, and urged citizens to identify and isolate them. Chidambaram responded on X, stating he was proud to be a dimagi naxal. CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby alleged the term recalled the earlier 'Urban Naxal' tag and was aimed at targeting critics. He also questioned the government's anti-Naxal operations, calling them 'state-sponsored terrorism'.

Other Opposition leaders, including Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh and CPI general secretary D Raja, also criticised the remark. The government has not responded to the attacks.