Independence Day 2026: Modi flags 'dimaagi Naxal' threat, Congress hits back
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said armed Naxalism has been eliminated from India but warned that “intellectual Naxals” remain and called for vigilance.
Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day, Modi used the term “dimaagi Naxal” to refer to what he described as people influenced by Maoist thinking who operate in public life and institutions.
“Armed Naxals are gone, but ‘intellectual Naxals’ are still lurking; we must be vigilant,” Modi said.
Modi did not name any individuals or organisations, or elaborate on how those he described as “intellectual Naxals” should be identified.
He linked his remarks to the government's decade-long campaign against Left-wing extremism, saying armed insurgents in forested regions had largely been dealt with.
Union Home Ministry data showed that the number of Naxal-affected districts fell from 126 in 2014 to 11 in 2025, while the number of most-affected districts declined from 36 to three. Government data also showed a 53% decline in violent incidents between 2014 and 2024.
In 2025, security forces reported neutralising 317 Naxals, arresting 862 and recording 1,973 surrenders, according to government figures. In 2024, 290 Naxals were reported neutralised, 1,090 arrested and 881 surrendered.
The government had set March 31, 2026, as its target for eliminating Naxalism. The Centre now says that target was achieved, with the number of Naxal-affected districts falling to zero by March-April 2026.
The government has described the decline as the result of sustained security operations, development initiatives, improved infrastructure and rehabilitation measures in former Left-wing extremism-affected areas.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticised Modi's remarks, saying the prime minister had earlier used the term “urban Naxals” for his opponents and was now referring to “dimaagi Naxals”.
