What happened
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “dimagi Naxals” remark led to Opposition criticism. Opposition leaders alleged that the label is meant to stigmatise citizens who question the government and to discourage dissent through intimidation.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge spoke at an Independence Day function at the AICC headquarters and supported peaceful protests by Gen Z. Kharge argued that raising voices for rights is not anti-national. Kharge also linked Independence to liberation from poverty, discrimination, unemployment, injustice, and fear.
Opposition leaders echoed the criticism. Jairam Ramesh said Modi used “urban Naxals” earlier and then used “dimagi Naxals,” describing the shift as political desperation. CPI(M) leader M.A. Baby called the “dimagi Naxal” allegation atrocious. CPI leader D. Raja said Modi targeted dissent on Independence Day and demanded answers from students and youth on education and employment.
Background and earlier position
Independence Day messaging also brought the women’s reservation debate into focus. Opposition reactions included a claim that Modi’s call for a 33% reservation for women in legislatures has been kept in abeyance by tying it to delimitation. Kharge also attacked the government on alleged issues such as treatment of protesting students, parliamentary accountability, alleged theft of donations connected to the Ram temple in Ayodhya, and alleged interference in institutions including the judiciary, the Election Commission, universities, and investigative agencies.