Congress Slams PM Modi Over Dimagi Naxals Remarks Made During Diwali Visit

The Congress party said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is desperate and his time to leave office is near, after he accused political opponents of being ideological supporters of Maoists.

Prime Minister Remarks

Prime Minister Modi spoke during a Deepavali celebration with security personnel at a CRPF camp in Bastar, Chhattisgarh on November 8, 2026. He wore a military-style camouflage uniform and a hat during the visit. He stated that armed Maoists have been removed, but "dimagi Naxals" have entered several political parties and groups. He said these supporters are pushing people against the Constitution and democracy, and the country must identify and defeat them.

Congress Reaction

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized the Prime Minister for using a solemn, non-political festival day to attack political rivals. Mr. Ramesh stated that Mr. Modi used his trademark abuse while dressed in the uniform of the security forces. He also pointed out past instances, noting that Mr. Modi called people demanding a caste census urban naxals in April 2024 before later announcing a caste census for Census 2027. He also recalled that protesters against three farm laws were called naxal supporters in September 2020 before those laws were withdrawn in November 2021.

Context

Political figures in India often spend major festivals like Deepavali visiting military personnel and security forces stationed at remote bases. Such visits frequently double as platforms for leaders to deliver speeches addressing national security and political opponents.