Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram on Sunday responded sharply to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day remarks on “ideological” or “intellectual Naxals”, saying, “I am proud to be a dimagi Naxal.”

Chidambaram’s remarks came a day after PM Modi, during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on August 15, warned against people with Maoist ideology whom he accused of having established themselves within the system and influencing government policies.

Modi Warns Against ‘Ideological Naxals’

Addressing the nation on the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day, PM Modi said armed Naxalism had been largely eliminated from the country’s forests but warned that ideological supporters of the movement could continue to pose a challenge.

The Prime Minister said people with Maoist thinking had, over the years, found positions within corridors of power, including as advisers on government committees, and had influenced policy decisions.

Modi urged citizens to remain vigilant and said such individuals should be identified and isolated.

PM Highlights Naxalism’s Impact

Modi also spoke about the impact of decades of Naxal and Maoist violence on communities and security personnel.

He said Naxalism had once controlled large parts of India and kept a significant population under the threat of violence. According to the Prime Minister, more than 3,500 police and security personnel were killed during the conflict.

He said the movement had damaged the lives and aspirations of lakhs of young people and caused severe losses to families across affected regions.

Chidambaram Hits Back

Responding to the Prime Minister’s comments, Chidambaram used the term “dimagi Naxal” — broadly referring to an ideological or intellectual supporter of Naxalism — in a pointed response.

His remark is likely to intensify the political debate over the government’s characterization of Maoist ideology and criticism of policies associated with the Left.

The Congress leader’s response also comes amid continuing political disagreements between the ruling BJP and the opposition over national security, internal security and the government’s approach towards Maoist-affected regions.

Modi Says Naxalism Has Declined

In his Independence Day address, Modi credited his government’s policies since 2014 with making the elimination of Naxalism a major priority.

He said areas that once witnessed frequent violence and armed activity were now seeing development, greater public confidence and government outreach.

The Prime Minister described the decline of armed Naxalism as a significant achievement and said regions once affected by violence were increasingly associated with development and the national flag.

Political Debate Continues

Chidambaram’s response has brought the issue of “ideological Naxalism” back into the centre of the political debate. While the government maintains that Maoist ideology remains a potential threat even as armed violence declines, opposition leaders have frequently questioned the broad use of such labels against critics and intellectuals.

The exchange highlights the continuing political divide over how the country should address the legacy of Naxalism, security challenges and ideological dissent.