‘Dimaagi Naxals’: Row erupts as PM Modi warns of ideological threat from Red Fort

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has warned of a subtle threat posed by "dimaagi Naxals," or intellectual Naxals, who he says are actively attempting to incite anarchy and mislead the nation's youth, even as armed Maoist insurgencies are on the verge of elimination. Speaking from the Red Fort during India's 80th Independence Day address, Modi noted that while security forces have dismantled armed Maoist groups, individuals with an intellectual Naxal mindset are seeking opportunities to steer society down the wrong path.

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while armed Naxalite violence in India is on the verge of elimination, a subtle threat of “dimaagi Naxals”, or intellectual Naxals, is actively attempting to incite anarchy and mislead the nation’s youth.

Modi cautioned that Maoist ideology has historically infiltrated corridors of power and advisory committees, influencing government policies for decades. He stressed the need to isolate these "dimaagi Naxals" and connect the country's young generation to the mainstream of national transformation. This warning comes as armed Naxalism is reportedly nearing its end, shifting the focus to an ideological challenge.

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We must isolate these dimaagi (intellectual) Naxals and connect the country’s young generation to the mainstream of transforming our nation into a developed nation.

The Prime Minister's remarks immediately drew sharp condemnation from opposition parties. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh labeled the new terminology a "sure sign of desperation," suggesting Modi's rhetoric against critics has evolved from "urban naxals" to "dimaagi Naxals." He accused the prime minister of frequently adopting policies advocated by those he criticizes. Saurav Das, chief spokesperson of the Cockroach Janta Party, rejected the classification of critical youth, questioning how educated young people could be branded "Naxalis" simply for questioning the government, calling it "sheer arrogance and incompetence."

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First he called his opponents ‘urban naxals’. Now he calls them ‘dimaagi Naxals’. It is a sure sign of his desperation.