Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not call opposition leaders \u201cdimagi naxals\u201d, arguing that the label applies only to those who support Maoists, separatists or attempts to undermine India\u2019s unity. Rijiju\u2019s remarks come after Congress leader P Chidambaram says he is \u201cproud\u201d to be a \u201cdimagi naxal\u201d in response to PM Modi\u2019s Independence Day speech.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Rijiju says Modi\u2019s statement is not directed at opposition leaders as a group. In a post on X, he lists those he describes as \u201cdimagi naxals\u201d: people who support Maoists and reject the Indian Constitution, those who back separatists and support Article 370.<\/p>\n
PM @narendramodi ji didn't say opposition leaders as Dimagi Naxals. Only following are Dimagi Naxals:1. Who support Maoists and reject Indian Constitution.2. Who stand with separatists & support Article 370.4. Who want to cut chicken neck to separate North-East from India.<\/p>\n
The minister also shares a video featuring Sharjeel Imam discussing the strategic Siliguri Corridor, popularly known as the \u201cchicken neck\u201d. Rijiju says only people who support individuals making such statements should be described as \u201cdimagi naxals\u201d.<\/p>\n
Only those who support these kind of people are called "Dimagi Naxals". pic.twitter.com\/Gtcmj7rLfL<\/p>\n
Rijiju\u2019s clarification follows a political row triggered by Modi\u2019s Independence Day address from the Red Fort. The Prime Minister urges citizens and authorities to \u201cidentify and isolate\u201d people with what he describes as a \u201cdimagi naxal\u201d mindset.<\/p>\n
Congress leader P Chidambaram subsequently hits back at Modi, saying he is \u201cproud\u201d to be a \u201cdimagi naxal\u201d. His response adds a fresh political dimension to the debate over the Prime Minister\u2019s remarks.<\/p>\n
Also Read: Complaint Filed Against Sonia Gandhi Over Alleged Disrespect To \u2018Vande Mataram\u2019<\/p>\n
In his Independence Day speech, Modi says government action since 2014 has largely brought an end to the jungle insurgency, which he says claimed the lives of more than 3,500 security personnel.<\/p>\n
However, he alleges that people with a Maoist mindset had earlier occupied influential positions within the government system, including roles as advisers on government committees, allowing them to influence public policy.<\/p>\n
Also Read: 'Proud To Be Dimagi Naxal': P Chidambaram Hits Back At PM Modi Amid I-Day Speech Row<\/p>\n
Vinita Bhat is a Chief Copy Editor at ABP Live English, with experience in TV and digital journalism. She covers geopolitics, international conflicts, global current affairs and Kashmir.<\/p>\n
For tips and queries, write to vinitab@abpnetwork.com.<\/p>\n
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