CJP Hits Back At PM Modi Over ‘Dimagi Naxal’ Remark, Says Questioning Government Is Not Naxalism

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Saturday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his reference to “dimagi Naxals” in his Independence Day address, arguing that educated young people should not be labelled Naxalis simply for questioning the government.

CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said the term was being used too loosely and accused the government of failing to address the concerns of young people.

“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?” Das said in a post on X.

In his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on August 15, Modi said the threat posed by armed Naxalism was nearing its end but warned of people with a “dimagi Naxal” mindset who, according to him, seek opportunities to create violence and unrest and push the country in the wrong direction.

The prime minister said such elements needed to be identified and isolated while stressing the need to bring young people into the mainstream.

Responding to the remarks, Das said the CJP's political message was centred on peaceful protest and greater public participation. In a separate Independence Day message, he described the moment as an “era of awakening” and said a generation once told to remain silent had begun finding its voice.

Das also claimed that public spaces for protest were emerging across the country, comparing them to Jantar Mantar, traditionally associated with demonstrations in the national capital.

He accused those in power of attempting to divide young people along generational lines and said the response should be greater unity among citizens.

“They will divide. We will unite. They will spread fear. We will spread courage,” Das said, while calling for continued peaceful mobilisation.

The remarks add to the political debate over Modi's Independence Day warning about ideological support for Naxalism and the government's broader approach towards youth dissent and public protests.