New Delhi, 16 August (H.S.): Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday clarified Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s use of the term “Dimagi Naxal” in his Independence Day address, saying the remark was not directed at opposition leaders but at those advocating Maoist ideology, separatism and attempts to undermine India’s unity.

Rijiju explained the Prime Minister’s remarks in a post on social media platform X, stating that the term was used for people who support Maoism, reject the Indian Constitution, side with separatist elements or advocate the separation of the Northeast from the rest of the country.

He also referred to an earlier statement by Sharjeel Imam in his post, citing his alleged remarks about separating the northeastern region from the rest of India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had used the term “Dimagi Naxal” during his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Saturday. He had called for such elements to be identified and isolated, warning against attempts to create disorder and undermine the country’s unity.

The remark subsequently drew criticism from opposition parties, which claimed that the Prime Minister was referring to opposition leaders and political groups that have challenged the government’s policies.

Rejecting those allegations, Rijiju said the Prime Minister had not described opposition leaders as “Dimagi Naxals”. He maintained that the expression was intended for people who support Maoist ideology, reject the Constitution or espouse separatist views against the unity and integrity of the country.

Rijiju’s clarification came amid a political debate over the Prime Minister’s Independence Day remarks, with the opposition and the ruling side offering differing interpretations of the phrase and its intended target.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar