New Delhi: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday criticised actor Naseeruddin Shah over a video supporting students protesting at Jamia Millia Islamia for the restoration of their students’ union, calling the veteran actor a “dangerous urban Dimagi Naxal”.
In a post on X, Rijiju said he had previously respected and admired Shah but was disappointed by his views.
“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!” the minister wrote.
“I learned about his true character very late. He is extremely harmful to India’s democracy,” he added.
Shah posted the video on Facebook on Tuesday, expressing support for students at the Delhi-based university, where protests over the restoration of the students’ union have continued for nearly three weeks.
In the video, Shah criticised the Narendra Modi government, alleging that it was undermining educational institutions, weakening democratic values and attempting to crush the spirit of young people.
“I proudly declare that I am Dimagi Naxal. I don't know what other nicknames the watchmen have given to people like me, anti-national, tukde tukde gang, and I don't know what else,” Shah said in Hindi.
The term “Dimagi Naxal” was used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech in 2026. The phrase has since been used by ruling party leaders to target people they accuse of supporting Maoist ideology.
The students’ agitation at Jamia entered its 17th day on Thursday. Students are demanding a definite timeline for elections to the university’s students’ union, which have not been held since 2006.
The university had earlier said elections would be held within 15 days of approval of the union’s constitution. Protesters, however, have continued their agitation, seeking a firm schedule for the polls.
Amid the protests, the university announced that classes would continue online until November 24. According to a subsequent order, physical classes will not resume before January 13. The university has also announced changes to examination arrangements and the winter vacation schedule.