PM labels student leaders ‘dimagi naxals’ in Gen Z protest backlash

The Prime Minister has introduced a new term, 'dimagi (intellectual) naxals', to criticise opponents, The Hindu reports. Readers writing to the editor said the label appears aimed at student leaders behind the Gen Z protests, which have dented the PM's strongman image. One letter writer argued that if the PM's warning about a 'malicious plan to harm the country' was genuine, he should have clearly defined the traits of such individuals, calling the vague label an excuse to target inconvenient voices.

Separate letters in The Hindu criticised the declining quality of political discourse, with the ruling party spending more time taunting the Opposition than discussing policy. Another letter dismissed the ongoing Vande Mataram controversy between the BJP and Congress as meaningless, urging leaders to focus on pressing issues like housing, health care, education and employment.