Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended police actions at Jantar Mantar and clarified the meaning of the term "Dimaagi Naxal" in a recent interview.
The statements come amid ongoing political friction regarding the treatment of protesters and the use of provocative terminology to describe political opponents.
Rijiju addressed the police action that took place on July 20 [1] at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. He said the administration acted professionally during the event. The minister's defense of the security forces follows criticism regarding the handling of the demonstrations.
Regarding the controversial phrase "Dimaagi Naxal," Rijiju provided a specific definition to resolve the row. He said the term refers to individuals who support separatist, Maoist, and Naxalite ideologies. This clarification aims to distinguish ideological support for these movements from general political dissent.
The minister also commented on the washout of the Monsoon Session. He said the Congress party focused on singing its own party song rather than engaging in parliamentary business during the legislative period.
Throughout the discussion, Rijiju framed the government's position as one of maintaining order and national integrity. He said the opposition's tactics contributed to the legislative deadlock seen during the session.
“The administration acted professionally”
The clarification of 'Dimaagi Naxal' reflects a strategic effort by the government to narrow the definition of the term, potentially limiting its application to specific ideological threats rather than broad political opposition. By simultaneously defending the July 20 police action and criticizing the opposition's behavior in the Monsoon Session, the administration is reinforcing a narrative of law and order against perceived systemic instability.
