2 weeks ago

Opposition leaders hit back at Modi's 'dimagi Naxal' remark

Opposition leaders hit back at Modi's 'dimagi Naxal' remark
PM Modi’s ‘dimagi naxals’ remark sparks political row, Chidambaram says 'proud' to be one · wionews.com

India has a big leader called the Prime Minister, whose name is Narendra Modi.

Every year on Independence Day, he gives a big speech from a famous fort called the Red Fort.

In this year's speech, he talked about people he called 'dimagi Naxals.'

He said that some people still want to create violence and unrest, even though the armed Naxal problem is almost over.

Many people were upset by this, because they thought he was calling everyone who asks questions a 'Naxal.'

Saurav Das, a spokesman for a small party called the Cockroach Janta Party, said it is unfair to brand smart young people just for questioning the government.

Some leaders, like P Chidambaram and Mahua Moitra, even said they are proud to be called 'dimagi Naxals.'

Another leader, D Raja, said the Prime Minister should focus on young people's problems, like education and jobs, instead of targeting critics.

The argument over this one word has become a big political fight between the government and its opponents.

Key facts

Prime Minister
Narendra Modi
Occasion
80th Independence Day address from the Red Fort
Controversial term
'dimagi Naxal' (intellectual Naxal)
CJP spokesperson
Saurav Das, who said educated youth cannot be branded 'Naxalis' for questioning the government
Chidambaram's response
'I am proud to be a dimagi naxal'
Moitra's response
'I am a dimaagi Naxal. All cockroaches by definition are.'
D Raja's criticism
Modi targets dissenters while ignoring youth issues like education and employment
Jairam Ramesh's response
Called the new terminology a 'sure sign of desperation'

Quotes

Saurav Das

Spokesperson for the Congress‑led United Progressive Alliance

“"Dimagi Naxal or whatever is not going to work, prime minister. How could you loosely brand educated young people 'Naxalis' etc? Just because they question your government? Sheer arrogance! Sheer incompetence at resolving their problems?"”
wionews.com telegraphindia.com
“"An era of awakening has begun. An era of peaceful protest has begun."”
telegraphindia.com

P. Chidambaram

Senior Congress leader and former cabinet minister

“PM Modi finds time and opportunity to target dissenters even on a solemn national occasion like Independence Day, conveniently forgetting what the people of India are asking of him and his government.”
wionews.com
“I am proud to be a dimagi naxal.”
wionews.com

Sources

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