BJP leader Rijiju attacks actor Shah over Jamia student support

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has accused actor Naseeruddin Shah of being a 'dangerous urban Dimagi Naxal' after Shah publicly endorsed protesting students at Jamia Millia Islamia and embraced the 'Dimagi Naxal' label. The term, which translates to 'intellectual Naxal,' is often used by right-wing commentators to describe critics of government policies.

Shah, known for his outspoken views on social and political issues, extended his support to Jamia students who have been demonstrating against various government policies. In articulating his solidarity, the acclaimed actor identified himself as a 'Dimagi Naxal,' a self-description that invited swift political rebuttal from the ruling party establishment.

Rijiju's comments represent the latest instance of escalating rhetoric between India's entertainment industry and political figures aligned with the BJP. The exchange underscores the ongoing polarization surrounding student activism and intellectual dissent in the country.

The 'Dimagi Naxal' terminology has become a flashpoint in India's political discourse, with critics arguing it is used to delegitimize legitimate democratic expression and intellectual questioning. Shah's declaration of the label reflects broader debates about the nature of protest and state criticism in contemporary India.