Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Ram Madhav Defends Modi’s ‘Dimagi Naxal’ Remark
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the term “dimagi Naxals” in a speech.
The phrase caused criticism from some opposition leaders and journalists.
P. Chidambaram said he was proud to use the label for himself.
The Editors Guild objected to journalists being described in this way.
Ram Madhav says Naxalism is not only about armed violence.
He argues that it also includes an ideology and supporters who work in cities.
To support his view, he quotes a 2013 government statement made to the Supreme Court.
Critics, however, say the phrase is unclear and can be used to label opponents unfairly.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the phrase “dimagi Naxals” in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort.
Congress leader P. Chidambaram said he was proud to be a “dimagi Naxal,” while the Editors Guild objected to journalists being portrayed that way.
Ram Madhav argues that Naxalism is both an armed movement and an ideological tradition supported by urban intellectual networks.
He cites a 2013 Union Home Ministry affidavit that accused CPI (Maoist) ideologues and supporters of systematic anti-state propaganda.
Madhav says the phrase need not be formally defined, arguing that its meaning can be understood from the alleged Maoist strategy described in the affidavit.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ram Madhav, P. Chidambaram, the Editors Guild, and supporters and critics of Naxalism are central to the discussion.
- What
- A debate has followed Modi’s use of the phrase “dimagi Naxals,” meaning what the term refers to and whether it should be defined.
- When
- Modi used the phrase in his Independence Day address; the article also cites a 2013 Union Home Ministry affidavit.
- Where
- Modi made the remarks from the Red Fort in India; the cited affidavit was submitted to the Supreme Court.
- Why
- The phrase has prompted criticism, while Ram Madhav uses the history of Maoism and the 2013 affidavit to argue that ideological support networks for Naxalism are significant.
Critics of the Label
Defenders of the Label
Meaning of “dimagi Naxal”
Critics of the Label
Critics, including P. Chidambaram and the Editors Guild, object to the phrase and its application to political opponents or journalists.
Defenders of the Label
Ram Madhav says a formal definition is unnecessary because the term can be understood through the broader ideological and organisational context of Naxalism.
Role of urban intellectuals
Critics of the Label
The article describes indignation among sections of political, media, and intellectual circles after the phrase was used.
Defenders of the Label
Madhav argues that academics, journalists, authors, activists, and other public intellectuals have helped provide ideological or political support for armed Naxal groups.
Threat to the state
Critics of the Label
The article’s critics reject or challenge the implication that journalists and opposition figures associated with criticism of the government are linked to Naxalism.
Defenders of the Label
Madhav cites a 2013 Union Home Ministry affidavit claiming that CPI (Maoist) ideologues and supporters used propaganda and mass organisations to challenge the democratic state.
- Speaker
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Phrase used
- “Dimagi Naxals”
- Speech setting
- Independence Day address from the Red Fort
- Political response
- P. Chidambaram said he was proud to be a “dimagi Naxal.”
- Media response
- The Editors Guild complained about journalists being portrayed as “dimagi Naxals.”
- Cited document
- A 2013 Union Home Ministry affidavit in the Kishore Samrite vs Union of India matter
- Article author
- Ram Madhav, president of the India Foundation and national vice-president of the Bharatiya Janata Party