Chidambaram Proudly Embraces 'Dimagi Naxal' Label Amid Political Tensions

Shillong, India Aug 16, 2026 ALN: A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi described “dimagi Naxalism” as a challenge that continued to look for opportunities to promote violence, unrest, and disorder in the country, senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram on Sunday said that he was “proud” to be called a ‘dimagi Naxal’.

Reacting to the Prime Minister’s remarks, Chidambaram took to the social media platform X and posted, “I am proud to be a dimagi naxal!” This statement has sparked significant discourse within political circles, as it touches upon the broader themes of political identity, dissent, and the implications of labeling opponents in a charged political environment.

PM Modi, while addressing the nation from the historic ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day, said that India had made significant progress in weakening armed Naxalism but cautioned that a more subtle form of the ideology, which he termed “dimagi Naxalism”, continued to pose a challenge. He elaborated on the dangers this ideology presents, stating, “We have succeeded in getting rid of armed Naxals in the jungles, but ‘dimagi Naxals’ (those with a Naxal mindset) are looking for opportunities to create violence, unrest… They want to drag society on the wrong path. These ‘dimagi Naxals’ have to be identified and isolated, and we must connect the youth with the mainstream.”

The term “Naxalism” itself has a historical context in India, originating from a peasant uprising in Naxalbari, West Bengal, in the late 1960s. It has since evolved into a broader reference to a Maoist movement that seeks to overthrow the Indian government through armed struggle. Over the decades, the term has been politically charged, often used to label dissenters or critics of the government. The Prime Minister’s creation of the term “dimagi Naxalism” appears to be an attempt to extend this historical narrative into contemporary political discourse, suggesting that ideological opposition to the government can be as dangerous as armed rebellion.

The Prime Minister’s remarks have triggered a sharp political reaction from the Congress party, which accused him of using increasingly provocative labels against his political opponents. The Congress party has historically positioned itself as a defender of civil liberties and free speech, and many within the party view Modi’s comments as an attempt to delegitimize dissent. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh also criticized PM Modi over his use of the term and drew a comparison with his earlier references to “urban Naxals”.

In a post on X, Ramesh said, “First he called his opponents ‘urban naxals’. Now he calls them ‘dimagi naxals’. It is a sure sign of his desperation.” The use of the term “urban Naxals” has been contentious, often referring to intellectuals, activists, and others in urban settings who are perceived to support the Naxalite ideology. Ramesh’s comments suggest a pattern of the Prime Minister using such labels to frame political discourse in a way that could marginalize opposition voices.

Ramesh further alleged that the Prime Minister ultimately ends up supporting or implementing several positions that he claimed were advocated by those labeled as “urban Naxals” or “dimagi Naxals”. He stated, “It is a separate matter that he ends up doing whatever these so-called ‘urban naxals’ or now ‘dimagi naxals’ are demanding or advocating. It is not for nothing that the PM has a MA being the Master Abuser in entire political science that he is.” This statement reflects the Congress party's strategy of framing Modi’s rhetoric as not only divisive but also hypocritical.

The implications of such political labeling are significant. In a democracy, the ability to dissent is a fundamental right, and the labeling of dissenters as extremists can have chilling effects on free speech and political engagement. Critics argue that such rhetoric could incite hostility towards individuals or groups who are seen as opposing the government, potentially leading to an atmosphere of fear and repression.

Moreover, the term “dimagi Naxal” could also serve to galvanize Modi’s political base, rallying supporters around a narrative of defending the nation against ideological threats. This strategy of framing political opponents as enemies of the state has been used in various contexts globally, often leading to polarization within the electorate.

As the political landscape in India continues to evolve, the dialogue around terms like “dimagi Naxalism” will likely remain a focal point in the ongoing struggle for ideological dominance between the ruling party and the opposition. The reactions from various political actors will shape the discourse in the lead-up to future elections, as parties seek to define their identities and positions in relation to one another.