New Delhi, October 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Thursday criticised veteran Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah over his “Dimagi Naxal” remark, accusing him of promoting ideas that could create anarchy in the country. The controversy erupted after Shah shared a video of himself wearing a badge bearing the term and declaring that he was a “proud Dimagi Naxal”.
The term was coined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day address in August. Shah’s video, in which he took aim at the government, drew sharp reactions from BJP leaders and Union ministers, while opposition leaders defended his right to express his views.
BJP national spokesperson RP Singh told IANS that Shah’s recent remarks, along with his earlier statements concerning Pakistan and West Bengal, reflected thinking that encouraged ideas capable of disrupting order in the country.
BJP MLA Ram Kadam said he respected Shah’s acting skills but criticised his past statements about Pakistan and his views on Mughal rulers. Referring to Shah’s “Dimagi Naxal” remark, Kadam said the actor should instead be described as a “Dimagi Pakistani”.
Union Minister and Republican Party of India (Athawale) chief Ramdas Athawale also acknowledged Shah’s talent and social awareness but said he should not adopt a Naxalite mindset. Athawale added that Shah could suggest measures to the government for social welfare but should not criticise the BJP in the manner he had.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also strongly rebuked the actor, describing him as “extremely harmful to India’s democracy”.
Congress MP Jebi Mather, however, defended Shah and criticised the BJP’s response. She said the party frequently used labels such as “Tukde-Tukde” and “Urban Naxal” against people expressing views it disliked, adding that the latest reaction was unsurprising.
Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy also backed Shah, saying the actor had merely expressed his opinion and that the BJP’s criticism reflected its intolerance of views it opposed.
The controversy has triggered a political exchange between NDA leaders and opposition representatives over Shah’s comments, the use of the term “Dimagi Naxal” and the limits of criticism directed at the government.
FOLLOW NOW
