Kiren Rijiju Labels Naseeruddin Shah a 'Dangerous Urban Dimagi Naxal' Amid Education System Controversy
Union Minister's Strong Reaction to Actor's Comments
New Delhi: Kiren Rijiju, the Union Minister for Minority Affairs, has criticized actor Naseeruddin Shah, labeling him a "dangerous urban dimagi naxal". This statement follows Shah's recent video in which he accused the government of undermining the education system.
In a post on X, Rijiju expressed that he once held Shah in high regard but has since discovered his "true character".
Shah, visibly upset in a Facebook video, voiced his support for students from Jamia Millia Islamia who are advocating for the reinstatement of their student union. He referred to himself as a "dimagi naxal" during this address.
He further accused the BJP-led government of attempting to dismantle the educational framework and demoralize the youth of the nation, while displaying a pin labeled "dimagi naxal".
I thought Naseeruddin Shah was just an ordinary actor. I used to respect & like him.. I never knew that he was a dangerous urban Dimagi Naxal !
मुझे उसके असली चरित्र के बारे में बहुत देर से पता चला।। भारत के लोकतंत्र के लिए अत्यंत हानिकारक है। https://t.co/McSDNBJjPt
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) October 28, 2026
Rijiju elaborated on his views, stating, "I thought Naseeruddin Shah was just an ordinary actor. I used to respect & like him... I never knew that he was a dangerous urban Dimagi Naxal." He emphasized that Shah's opinions pose a significant threat to Indian democracy.
The term 'dimagi naxal' was initially introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech, where he described such individuals as those who have embedded themselves within the system and manipulate policies to threaten societal stability.
Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also weighed in on the controversy, questioning Shah's statements. She remarked, "Is Naseeruddin Shah ACP Rathod or Gulam Hassan from Sarfarosh? He speaks of urban naxalism and supports anti-national movements. Do you stand for pro-India or anti-India?"
In Sarfarosh, Shah portrayed the antagonist Gulfam Hassan, while Aamir Khan played the protagonist ACP Ajay Singh Rathod.
At 76, Shah has been vocal about student-related issues, criticizing the government's response to protests regarding NEET exam irregularities earlier this year.
In his recent video, Shah declared, "I proudly declare that I am a 'dimagi naxal'. I am uncertain of the other labels assigned to individuals like me, such as anti-national or part of the 'tukde-tukde' gang."
He posed a challenging question to the government, asking, "What more will you do to undermine the courage of our youth, dismantle the education system, and jeopardize our democracy? How far will you go?"