Archive · 16 Aug 2026
Congress dubs Modi 'master abuser' over 'dimaagi Naxals' remark
Every year on August 15, India celebrates the day it became a free country, and its leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gives a big speech.
This year, he talked about Naxals, groups that have used violence in the past.
He said the armed Naxals who used to hide in the jungles have gone.
But he warned that 'dimaagi Naxals' — meaning intellectual, or thinking, Naxals — are still around and looking for chances to cause trouble.
He said these people must be found and kept away from others.
A big political party called the Congress did not like these words, and its leader, Jairam Ramesh, said they showed the Prime Minister was desperate.
He even called the Prime Minister a 'master abuser,' which means someone very good at insulting others, and other leaders said Modi should answer questions about schools and jobs instead of making new labels.
This shows that the political groups in India strongly disagree and often argue with each other.
In his 13th consecutive Independence Day address, PM Narendra Modi said 'armed Naxals may have gone, but dimaagi (intellectual) Naxals are lurking around' and must be identified and isolated.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh called the remark a 'sure sign of desperation,' dubbed Modi the 'Master Abuser' in Entire Political Science, and noted he had earlier labelled opponents 'urban Naxals.'
Congress leader Sachin Pilot said Modi's remarks showed he was 'rattled,' as people ask right and tough questions on governance and deliverables.
Communist Party of India general secretary D Raja called the comments an attempt to 'stigmatise dissent,' and challenged Modi on school closures and youth unemployment.
Trinamool Congress leader Saket Gokhale called it 'shameful' for Modi to attack opponents on Independence Day, pointing to police action against youth protesters over exam mismanagement.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who coined the term 'dimaagi Naxals'; Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, who led the rebuttal; and other opposition leaders including Sachin Pilot, D Raja and Saket Gokhale.
- What
- Modi's Independence Day warning about 'dimaagi (intellectual) Naxals' seeking to create violence and unrest drew opposition criticism that it reflected desperation and stigmatised dissent.
- When
- Saturday, August 15, during Modi's 13th consecutive Independence Day address, with opposition responses coming the same day.
- Where
- India; Modi spoke from the Red Fort in New Delhi.
- Why
- Modi argued intellectual Naxals must be identified and isolated to protect society; critics said the label was an attempt to silence dissent and dodge questions on governance, education and employment.
Opposition (Congress and allies)
PM Modi and the Government
'Dimaagi Naxals' label
Opposition (Congress and allies)
The label is a 'sure sign of desperation' and shows Modi is 'rattled'; he previously used 'urban Naxals' against opponents and is now the 'Master Abuser' in entire political science.
PM Modi and the Government
Armed Naxals may have gone from the jungles, but 'dimaagi' (intellectual) Naxals are looking for opportunities to create violence and unrest, so they must be identified and isolated.
Purpose of the remarks
Opposition (Congress and allies)
The comments are an attempt to 'stigmatise dissent and intimidate those who question the government,' and a 'cheap shot' on a solemn national occasion like Independence Day.
PM Modi and the Government
Persons with Maoist ideology had established themselves in the corridors of power and influenced policy making, including as advisers on government committees, posing a threat to Indian society.
Priorities on Independence Day
Opposition (Congress and allies)
Modi should answer citizens' questions on education and employment — including why nearly a lakh government schools have been closed — instead of manufacturing new labels to silence them.
PM Modi and the Government
The country has made significant progress against armed Naxalism but must not lower its guard against ideological elements that can still threaten social peace.
- Event
- PM Modi's 13th consecutive Independence Day address to the nation
- New term used
- Dimaagi Naxals (intellectual Naxals)
- Previous term used
- Urban Naxals
- Congress response
- Called the remark a 'sure sign of desperation'; dubbed Modi 'Master Abuser in Entire Political Science'
- Congress spokesperson
- Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary
- Modi's warning
- These intellectual Naxals have to be identified and isolated
- Location
- Red Fort, New Delhi
- Date
- August 15 (Saturday), 80th Independence Day
- Protest context
- July 20 police crackdown left dozens injured; agitation led to resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan
