Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for the identification and isolation of "dimagi Naxals" during his address at the Red Fort on Aug. 15 [1].
The remarks have ignited a sharp political divide in India, framing a debate over national unity and the definition of internal threats. Critics argue the terminology targets dissent, while the government views it as a necessary security measure.
Speaking during the 80th Independence Day celebration [1], Modi said the country must identify and isolate people with a "Naxal mentality" [1]. He said these "dimagi Naxals" are a threat to the stability and unity of the nation [1].
Opposition leaders reacted to the speech. One unnamed opposition leader, quoted by a spokesperson, said the prime minister is "rattled" [1]. The opposition has used the phrase to argue that the administration is attempting to criminalize ideological disagreement.
The controversy extended to social media, where users turned the phrase into a satirical movement. An Instagram page titled the "Dimagi Naxal Party" appeared shortly after the speech [2, 3].
The page gained 160,000 followers overnight [2], though other reports place the growth at over 100,000 [3]. The account used satire to mock the prime minister's characterization of his critics before it was suspended [2].
Modi's focus on "dimagi Naxals" refers to individuals who may not be active combatants in Naxalite insurgencies but are believed to hold similar ideologies [1]. This distinction expands the scope of the government's rhetoric from armed rebels to those with specific mentalities [1].
“"We need to identify and isolate dimagi Naxals, people with a Naxal mentality."”
The shift in rhetoric toward 'mental' or 'intellectual' Naxalism suggests a broadening of the state's definition of internal security threats. By targeting a 'mentality' rather than just armed insurgency, the government creates a wider net for identifying dissidents, which typically increases friction between the ruling party and civil society in India.
