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Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his Independence Day address from the Red Fort to speak of an apparently new form of Naxalism, describing people with a “Naxal mentality” as “dimaagi Naxals”. After targeting appeasement politics, infiltrators and “andolanjeevis” in previous speeches, the Prime Minister has now introduced a new label: “dimaagi Naxal”.
“For years, people with Maoist thinking were there in public life, even in government committees. This thinking had affected various institutions and initiatives. My dear countrymen, we have been able to curb and free the country from hathiyaarband Naxal (armed Naxal). But the ‘dimaagi Naxal’ (people with Naxal mentality) are looking for an opportunity, looking to see ways of violence, and trying to drag the country down a wrong path,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister claimed that while his government had succeeded in eliminating armed Naxalites from large parts of the country, people who subscribe to Maoist ideology continued to remain embedded in institutions and “power corridors”.
“We have succeeded in getting rid of armed Naxals in the jungles, but ‘dimaagi Naxals’ are looking for opportunities to create violence, unrest,” he said.
Modi's remarks drew an immediate response from the Congress. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the Prime Minister had previously used the term “urban Naxals” for his political opponents and had now coined “dimaagi Naxals”. He described Modi as a “master abuser” and said the new terminology reflected political desperation.
PM Modi's reference to the elimination of armed Naxalites comes against the backdrop of Operation Kagar, an intensive counter-insurgency campaign launched by security forces in January 2024 against Maoist groups. In his speech, Modi said more than 3,500 security personnel had lost their lives in operations against Naxal violence.
He said regions that had once been held hostage by the “barrel of a gun” were now witnessing development and linked the decline in Maoist violence to improved infrastructure and economic activity in remote areas.
The PM also outlined a seven-point reform vision, Sapt Dhara, focusing on manufacturing, food processing, technology and innovation, connectivity, security, the green economy and India's soft power.
A significant part of the speech focused on young Indians, employment and the impact of artificial intelligence on the economy.
The PM also announced a plan to train one crore young people in AI skills over the next year and proposed a nationwide network of free online coaching to reduce the financial burden on middle-class families.
He also highlighted India's startup ecosystem, noting that more than 2.5 lakh startups are now registered. He announced a Rs 1 lakh crore innovation fund and said resources should not become a constraint for young entrepreneurs.
As part of preparations for India's ambition to host the 2036 Olympics, Modi proposed a national talent hunt for children between five and 15 years of age.
Push for self-reliance
On the economy, Modi renewed his call for Atmanirbharta, arguing that global disruptions had highlighted the strategic importance of energy, technology and critical resources.
He set a target of 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 and announced plans for five new nuclear reactors over the next decade.
The Prime Minister also urged Indian companies, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to take advantage of new and proposed free trade agreements and compete globally on cost, quality and scale.
Towards the end of his address, Modi called on political parties to support implementation of the 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies.
He also reiterated the government's emphasis on defence self-reliance, highlighting investments in drones, counter-drone systems and hypersonic technologies.