MUMBAI: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has backed the “dimagi naxals’ (intellectual naxals) remark made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that while armed naxalism has been brought under control, “dimagi naxalwad” (intellectual naxalism) is even more dangerous because it exists in people’s minds.”
The Congress has denied that Gandhi had any objections to singing the full version of the national song, clarifying that she was merely seeking a chair for party president Mallikarjun Kharge. However, Fadnavis remarked, “What should we call this, if not ‘dimagi Naxalwad’, ‘arajakta’ (chaos), and an insult to constitutional authority? Fadnavis also responded to questions on the security cover provided to NCP MLC Zeeshan Siddique, who has received several death threats recently. “We have not withdrawn Zeeshan Siddique’s security, and he continues to have police protection. A. Baby stated that while his party opposes Maoism, they accuse the government of violating the law and the Constitution in its handling of Maoists.
Speaking to the media after the Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony in Mumbai on Saturday, Fadnavis then lashed out at former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, saying she was an example of “dimagi naxalwad” as she had allegedly objected to the singing of the full version of Vande Mataram at the party’s Independence Day event. He is seeking additional security, for which I have personally directed the Mumbai police commissioner to provide additional protection after assessing the threat perception,” he said. Earlier reporting noted: ‘Attempt to stigmatise dissent’: Opposition hits out at PM Modi over ‘dimagi Naxal’ jibe Opposition leaders on Saturday (August 15, 2026) hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his “dimagi Naxals” reference in his Independence Day address, accusing him of using labels to target dissent, while also tearing into his appeal to parties to implement women’s reservation and questioning the linking of it with delimitation. He described the Prime Minister’s reference to individuals with a “Naxal mentality” as an attempt to target the Opposition. Baby also accused the Modi government of engaging in “State terrorism” regarding its treatment of arrested Maoists, alleging that some individuals were shot dead in custody rather than being subjected to legal proceedings.
Earlier reporting noted: CPI(M) General Secretary M. Earlier reporting noted: Mr.
The legislation was passed by the state legislature in July 2025 despite strong opposition from civil society groups and critics, who raised concerns about its potential misuse to silence dissent and clamp down on civil liberties.
The chief minister’s remarks come against the backdrop of the Maharashtra Special Public Security Act, a controversial legislation enacted last year, to address what the government describes as “unlawful activities” linked to left-wing extremist organisations.
