Rahul Gandhi Hits Back At PM Modi Over ‘Dimagi Naxal’ Remark, Renews Open Debate Challenge

Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his recent ‘Dimagi Naxal’ comments, and has challenged him to a public debate about nationalism and foreign influence in Indian politics.

Rahul Gandhi’s attack has followed comments from PM Modi made during his Diwali visit to Bastar in Chhattisgarh.

Rahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi Of Referring To Opposition As Naxals

Rahul Gandhi took to social media platform X on Monday to criticise the comments made by the Prime Minister to members of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

He said the faces of the CRPF personnel showed that they were unconvinced by PM Modi’s comments. He claimed that PM Modi referred to opposition leaders as Naxals using his ‘Dimagi Naxal’ comments.

The Congress leader has again challenged PM Modi to take part in a debate.

I am always willing to have a debate about who the real anti-nationals are and who are being influenced by foreign forces. However, you will struggle to look them in the eye after," he said.

PM Modi’s Comments On Dimagi Naxals

• Rahul Gandhi’s most recent comments follow PM Narendra Modi addressing security personnel during his Diwali visit to Bastar in Chhattisgarh.
• In his speech, PM Modi said armed Naxalism has been removed from many forest areas but there is still a threat posed by ideologues.
• He claimed that those known as ‘Dimagi Naxals’ have infiltrated political parties, organisations and institutions. They are trying to try and persuade people against the Indian constitution and democracy.
• Modi also spoke about how security forces have played a key role in fighting Naxalism and how his government has given them more freedom to make key decisions in anti-Naxal operations.

Rahul Gandhi Challenges PM To A Public Debate

This latest clash follows previous allegations made by Rahul Gandhi about foreign influence in Indian politics.

Previously Rahul had challenged PM Modi to a debate about the allegations of foreign forces.

However, he has consistently said that a debate would allow an open discussion about the allegations and his challenge has increased political tensions between the Congress party and BJP.

Political Tension Between BJP And Congress Rises

• The debate has added another layer to the current political tensions being faced by the ruling BJP and opposition Congress party.
• While Prime Minister Modi has expressed concerns over ideologue Naxalism and its effect on democracy, Rahul Gandhi has attacked the comments.
• This will likely mean that political debates will centre around Naxalism, national security, democracy and the relationship between the government and opposition.
• As Rahul Gandhi has again demanded a direct debate, attention will be on whether PM Narendra Modi will respond to the challenge.