Archive · 18 Aug 2026
Modi's 'Dimaagi Naxal' remark sparks political row over dissent
Every year, India celebrates the day it became free, called Independence Day.
The leader of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave a big speech on this special day.
In his speech, he talked about people he called 'dimaagi Naxals,' which means 'brain Naxals.'
Naxals are people who use violence to fight the government.
Mr Modi said these 'brain Naxals' are a big danger to the country.
Some other leaders, like Mr Chidambaram and Mr Kejriwal, were upset.
They said Mr Modi was calling people who disagree with him bad names.
Another minister, Mr Rijiju, said the word only means people who support the violent Naxals and want to hurt India.
The newspaper that wrote this story thinks both sides made a big deal out of nothing.
It also says the government should pay more attention to problems like students not getting jobs and things being expensive.
PM Narendra Modi identified 'dimaagi Naxals' (ideological Naxals) as a potent threat during India's 80th Independence Day speech.
Opposition leaders P. Chidambaram and Arvind Kejriwal embraced the label, declaring they wear the mantle of the 'dimaagi Naxal' with pride.
Union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju clarified the term refers to those who support Maoists, reject constitutional democracy, and threaten India's territorial sovereignty.
The editorial calls the controversy a 'storm in a teacup,' describing Modi's reference as surprising and the opposition's reaction as puerile.
The editorial urges the government to prioritize students, youth, and middle and working classes facing exam leaks, unemployment, rising prices, and stagnant wages.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, opposition leaders P. Chidambaram and Arvind Kejriwal, and Union minister Kiren Rijiju
- What
- A political controversy over Modi's 'dimaagi Naxal' remark in his Independence Day speech
- When
- During India's 80th Independence Day celebrations
- Where
- India
- Why
- Modi identified ideological supporters of Naxalism as a threat, while the Opposition claimed the label targeted the dissenting public
Opposition and Critics
Government and PM Modi
Meaning of 'Dimaagi Naxal'
Opposition and Critics
The label targets the dissenting public and political opponents who criticize the government.
Government and PM Modi
The term refers only to those who support Maoists, reject constitutional democracy, and threaten India's territorial sovereignty.
Justification of the Controversy
Opposition and Critics
Critics say the remark unfairly brands dissenters as enemies of the nation.
Government and PM Modi
The editorial argues critics jumped the gun and that the reaction was puerile, since law-abiding dissenters are not covered by the term.
Government Priorities
Opposition and Critics
The government should focus on the needs of students, youth, and working classes rather than isolating adversaries.
Government and PM Modi
Isolating those with inimical designs on the nation is an unquestionable necessity for the government.
- Event
- India's 80th Independence Day celebrations
- Speaker
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Controversial term
- Dimaagi Naxal (ideological Naxal)
- Clarification by
- Kiren Rijiju, Union parliamentary affairs minister
- Opposition responses
- P. Chidambaram and Arvind Kejriwal embraced the label with pride
- Editorial stance
- Criticizes both sides; calls the row a 'storm in a teacup'
- Other concerns raised
- Exam leaks, unemployment, rising prices, and stagnant wages