---
title: "Rijiju lists 'Dimagi Naxals' as Chidambaram reacts"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/rijiju-dimagi-naxals-chidambaram-response-u9gk1
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Politics
published: 2026-08-16T14:03:16.156Z
modified: 2026-08-16T16:30:06.729Z
language: en-IN
---

# Rijiju lists 'Dimagi Naxals' as Chidambaram reacts

Kiren Rijiju asserted a list of groups he labels as 'dimagi naxals' in response to PM Modi's Independence Day remarks, while Congress leader P. Chidambaram said he is proud to be one. The exchanges followed Modi's Red Fort address and included Rijiju's post detailing groups he says fit the label.

## Key takeaways

- Kiren Rijiju publicly enumerated categories he says fit the label 'dimagi Naxals' in a post following Modi's Independence Day address.
- P. Chidambaram responded by saying he is proud to be a 'dimagi Naxal' in reaction to Modi's remarks.
- Modi's address linked Naxalism to governance and called for identifying and isolating those with a 'dimagi naxal' mindset.

## What Happened

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated on X that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reference to "dimagi Naxals" did not target opposition leaders. He enumerated categories he says fit the label, including people who support Maoists and reject the Indian Constitution, those who back separatists and Article 370, and those who support actions described as cutting the Chicken Neck corridor to separate the Northeast from India. Congress leader P. Chidambaram replied that he is "proud to be a dimagi Naxal" in response to Modi's remarks. Modi's Independence Day address included a warning about individuals with a Maoist mindset occupying influential positions and called for identifying and isolating such mindsets from governance.

The exchanges occurred in the wake of Modi's Independence Day speech from the Red Fort and the ensuing political debate over the label and its implications for dissent and opposition.

## Why It Matters

The remarks have intensified debate over how the government characterizes dissent and opposition, with Rijiju attempting to constrain the interpretation of the term and Chidambaram embracing it as a badge of identity. The episode ties to broader political rhetoric about Naxalism, constitutional fidelity, and regional-security concerns such as the so-called Chicken Neck corridor linking the Northeast to the rest of the country.

## Background

Modi’s address linked Naxalism and Maoist influence to governance, claiming past exposure to such mindsets within government advisory roles and alleging the movement has caused violence. The term "dimagi Naxals" has since become a flashpoint in the ongoing public dispute between Modi’s party and the opposition, with competing interpretations of who qualifies for the label.

## Key Facts

- Aug 16, 2026 – Rijiju’s post listing groups he says are “dimagi Naxals” was shared following Modi’s Independence Day address.
- Rijiju’s list includes: groups supporting Maoists and rejecting the Indian Constitution; those standing with separatists and supporting Article 370; and those wanting to cut the Chicken Neck corridor to separate the Northeast from India.
- Chidambaram’s reaction: publicly stated he is “proud to be a dimagi Naxal” in response to Modi’s remarks.
- Modi’s claim in his I-Day speech: contended that Maoist ideology had influenced government and policy decisions, and urged identification and isolation of such mindsets.
- Chicken Neck refers to the narrow land corridor in West Bengal connecting the Northeast to the rest of India.

## What Happens Next

There is no official update on any policy revision or formal designation linked to the term beyond this exchange. The public discourse may influence subsequent political messaging and how opposition leaders respond to the framing.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/rijiju-dimagi-naxals-chidambaram-response-u9gk1
Reported from: Multiple Sources