CJP Slams PM Modi Over ‘Dimagi Naxal’ Remark at SRCC: ‘Give Hope, Not Labels’

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Saturday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reviving his “Dimagi Naxal” remark against what it described as a “young, questioning generation” during his address at Delhi University’s Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC).

CJP co-convener Ashutosh Ranka said Modi could have used the occasion to address issues concerning education, employment and student welfare.

The criticism came after Modi, speaking at SRCC’s centenary celebrations, said those supporting ideas he had previously criticised were now being “exposed”. He was referring to his use of the term “Dimagi Naxals” in his Independence Day speech last month.

“As soon as I gave the ‘Dimagi Naxal’ homeopathy pill, all the ‘Dimagi Naxals’ started coming out one by one. And now the public is also seeing the true colours of those who are encouraging this illness,” Modi said in an apparent reference to his critics.

‘Could have spoken about education, jobs’

The remarks drew a strong response from CJP co-convener Saurav Das, who said branding young people who question the government as “Dimagi Naxals” at one of India’s premier colleges was “among the most shameful things a Prime Minister can do”.

“Wow. Going to one of India’s premier colleges and once again branding a young, questioning generation as ‘Dimagi Naxals’ has got to be among the most shameful things a Prime Minister can do. And on Teacher’s Day,” Das wrote on X.

Das said Modi could instead have addressed concerns affecting students and teachers at SRCC.

He pointed to protests by SRCC teachers over the denial of medical and childcare leave, infrastructure concerns and the pressure of intense competition faced by students.

“A Prime Minister should give the young hope, not such stupid labels. He should answer their questions, not vilify them for asking. What a pathetic state of affairs,” Das said.

Ranka also criticised Modi’s remarks, arguing that the centenary event should have focused on education, employment and the challenges confronting students.

“Going to the centenary celebrations of a college as reputed as SRCC, you would have expected the Prime Minister to talk education, jobs, current challenges impacting students, and what all India is doing to set itself apart for next 20 years,” Ranka said.

“Instead, he resorted to ‘Dimagi Naxal’ nonsense. That’s what happens when your degree is in ‘Entire Political History’.”

Modi revisits 2013 SRCC speech

Modi, who addressed a gathering packed with students for nearly 50 minutes, also said India had moved from “policy paralysis” to “policy dynamism” during the 13 years of the BJP-led government at the Centre.

Saturday’s visit marked Modi’s return to SRCC more than 13 years after his February 2013 address there, when the BJP was in opposition and he was about a year away from becoming prime minister.

At the centenary celebrations, Modi contrasted India’s economic position in 2013 with its situation today. He said his 2013 speech had triggered a “wave” and criticised those who had placed India in the “Fragile Five” grouping and were now “unable to digest its 7.8% growth”.

“India in 2013 was dealing with a series of challenges, including terror attacks, inflation and corruption. Growth was at its lowest and inflation was at the peak,” Modi said.