Former Union minister says he is “proud” of the ‘Dimagi Naxal’ label and dismisses the latest political slogans as meaningless
NEW DELHI: GTNS, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026; A fresh political exchange has erupted between the Congress and BJP after senior Congress leader and former Union minister P. Chidambaram responded sharply to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks targeting critics and the Opposition.
Chidambaram said he was “happy” and “proud” to be described as a “Dimagi Naxal”, turning the phrase used by Modi into a political counterattack.
‘Naraaz Fufa’ remark dismissed
Responding to Modi’s reference to Opposition critics as “Naraaz Fufa”, or an “angry uncle”, Chidambaram said the expression had little political meaning.
He argued that Modi frequently coins new political phrases and slogans, suggesting that the latest expressions would also have a limited political impact.
Chidambaram also pointed to the popularity of memes around the two phrases, saying that Gen Z had turned the remarks into social-media content rather than treating them as serious political arguments.
‘Dimagi Naxal’ becomes counter-political slogan
Rather than rejecting the label, Chidambaram attempted to turn it into a rhetorical advantage. He contrasted “Dimagi Naxal” with the possibility of being called a “Bewakoof Naxal”, saying he was pleased with the former description.
His response follows a broader political dispute over Modi’s use of the term “Dimagi Naxal” while warning against what he described as ideological Naxal influence. Congress leaders have criticised the terminology as an attempt to label and discredit political critics.
Social media becomes another political battleground
The exchange has quickly moved beyond traditional political speeches and into social media.
Chidambaram said his post embracing the “Dimagi Naxal” label received millions of likes, interpreting the reaction as evidence that many users were engaging with the controversy through humour and memes.
The episode reflects a changing style of Indian political communication, where slogans, short phrases and social-media reactions can become major political talking points within hours.
BJP-Congress confrontation intensifies
The latest exchange comes as the political contest between the BJP and Congress remains sharp on issues ranging from governance and the economy to foreign policy and India’s role in international groupings such as BRICS.
With the BRICS Summit taking place in New Delhi, the political rhetoric between the government and Opposition is adding another dimension to the wider national debate.
For now, the “Dimagi Naxal” and “Naraaz Fufa” phrases have become symbols of a larger political battle over how criticism, dissent and opposition should be represented in India’s public discourse.
Global Times News | INDIA ; GTNS
SEPTEMBER 10, 2026