Jairam Ramesh Hits Back at PM’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Jibe: ‘A Sure Sign of Desperation’
New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh launched a sharp counterattack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Dismissing the Prime Minister’s rhetoric as political desperate posturing, Ramesh asserted that coining new labels for opponents reveals underlying political anxiety.
The political row erupted after Prime Minister Modi, addressing the nation, warned against an entrenched ideological threat lingering in public institutions and policy circles despite the retreat of armed Maoist violence.
“For years, individuals with a Maoist mindset had entrenched themselves within the corridors of power in the country,” PM Modi stated from the Red Fort. “This Maoist ideology influenced policies, even through their roles as advisors on government committees. We have succeeded in eliminating armed Naxals in the forests and freeing the nation from that crisis. However, while the armed Naxals are gone, ‘Dimagi Naxals’ remain, and those who harbor this mindset are waiting for an opportunity. They are paving the way for violence and discord. They are employing various tactics to drag society down the wrong path. We must identify these ‘Dimagi Naxals.’ We need to isolate them and align the nation’s youth with the mainstream effort to transform the country into a developed nation,” PM Modi said.
Rebutting the Prime Minister’s remarks on social media, Jairam Ramesh, the Congress General Secretary in charge of Communications, accused the government of escalating its vilification of political opponents.
“First He called his opponents ‘urban naxals.’ Now He calls them ‘dimaagi naxals,’” Ramesh posted on X. “It is a sure sign of His desperation. It is a separate matter that He ends up doing whatever these so-called ‘urban naxals’ or now ‘dimaagi naxals’ are demanding or advocating.” Taking a direct jab at the Prime Minister’s academic credentials, Ramesh added: “It is not for nothing that the PM has an MA being the Master Abuser in Entire Political Science that he is.”
The fallout extended beyond mainstream political party lines, drawing condemnation from civil society activists and rights advocacy groups. Reacting to the speech, Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) spokesperson Saurav Das voiced strong concern over using public platforms to stigmatize critical youth and educated citizens.
““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!” Das said, adding, “Bells are ringing. The awakening is here!”
