Modi's 'dimagi Naxal' jibe draws fire from Opposition

Modi attacks intellectual Naxalites

At a CRPF Diwali event in Karanpur, Chhattisgarh's Bastar district, PM Modi said armed Naxalites have vanished from forests but intellectual Naxalites have captured many organisations.

“Armed Naxalites have vanished from the forests, but intellectual (dimagi) Naxalites have captured many organisations.”

Modi says they infiltrate parties

The PM claimed intellectual Naxalites have infiltrated political parties and organisations, provoking people against the Constitution and democracy of the country.

“These intellectual Naxalites have also infiltrated several political parties and various organisations.”

Rahul Gandhi challenges Modi to debate

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said CRPF personnel did not believe Modi's lies and challenged him to debate on who is anti-national and controlled by foreign forces.

“Dear CRPF jawans, your faces said it all: you didn't buy the PM's lies… He called us Naxals.”

Gandhi guarantees Modi will lose nerve

Gandhi said after a debate, the PM would not have the courage to stand before a single jawan again. He has repeatedly challenged Modi to an open debate.

“My challenge stands. Let him debate me on who is anti-national and who is controlled by foreign forces. Any time, any place.”

Jairam Ramesh attacks Modi's language

Congress MP and communication chief Jairam Ramesh said Modi used abusive language even on Diwali, calling opponents intellectual Naxals at a solemn non-political occasion.

“Once again, he has called some of his political opponents 'intellectual Naxals'.”

Ramesh says Modi is desperate

Ramesh said the PM is clearly desperate, troubled and restless, and that the time to pack up is fast approaching for his government.

“The PM is clearly desperate, troubled, and restless. It is clear that the time to pack up is fast approaching.”

TMC and CPI join the criticism

TMC Deputy Leader Sagarika Ghose said Modi engages in name-calling instead of debating real issues. CPI's P Sandosh Kumar called the speech uncivilised and warned Modi to learn from Trump and Netanyahu's failures.

“Name-calling is the last refuge of those who have much to hide and the clearest sign that the Modi government today has no answers to the direct questions raised by the Opposition.”

Opposition says Modi has no answers

Multiple Opposition leaders argue the PM is avoiding real debate on issues like Election Commission functioning and constitutional democracy, resorting to name-calling instead.