Ramesh alleged that the Prime Minister had described those demanding a caste census as "urban naxals" on April 28, 2024. Screengrab: ANI
‘Turned Diwali into political attack’: Congress slams PM Modi’s ‘dimagi Naxals’ remarks
Jairam Ramesh accused PM Modi of targeting political rivals with his ‘dimagi Naxals’ remarks during Diwali celebrations with security personnel in Bastar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “dimagi Naxals” remarks on Sunday (November 8) drew a sharp retort from the Congress, with senior leader Jairam Ramesh accusing him of using the occasion of Diwali to target political rivals.
In a post on X, Ramesh objected to PM Modi’s remarks while celebrating Diwali with security personnel. He said the Prime Minister had turned a non-political occasion into an attack on his rivals.
"The Prime Minister has not spared the nation even on Diwali day his trademark abuse. He has once again spoken of what he calls dimagi naxals. He has used a very solemn non-political occasion, donned the uniform of the security forces, and hurled invectives at his political rivals. This is a brazen assault on all institutional norms, but when has that ever stopped this man?" Ramesh said.
Ramesh cites caste census and farm laws
Ramesh further alleged that the Prime Minister had described those demanding a caste census as "urban naxals" on April 28, 2024, adding that a year later, on April 30, 2025, he announced that a caste census would be part of Census 2027.
Also Read: PM Modi warns of ‘dimagi Naxals’ after declaring armed Naxalism eliminated
Ramesh also cited the farmers' agitation against the three farm laws. He alleged that PM Modi had branded those opposing the laws as supporters of a Naxal ideology in September 2020. The government later withdrew the laws on November 19, 2021.
"The PM is clearly distraught, disturbed and desperate. Jhola-picking-up time is fast approaching," he added.
What PM Modi said
Earlier in the day, PM Modi said armed Naxalites had been eliminated from forests, but claimed that the threat persisted within organisations and political parties.
Also Read: Amit Shah blames Congress for Naxalism: ‘What kind of govt were you running?’
"While armed Naxalites have been wiped out from the forests, 'Dimagi Naxals' have taken control of several organisations," Modi said.
He alleged that they continued to incite people against the Constitution and democracy, and had entered political parties and other organisations.
"We must identify them, defeat them and ensure the security of the nation," he said.