Naseeruddin Shah faces backlash over 'Dimagi Naxal' remark; Rijiju calls actor 'dangerous urban Naxal'
New Delhi, Oct 29 (UNI) Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has triggered a political controversy after describing himself as a "Dimagi Naxal" while criticising the government over student protests, the education system and the state of democracy, drawing sharp reactions from union Minister Kiren Rijiju and several BJP leaders.
The controversy erupted after the 76-year-old actor posted a video on Facebook backing students of Jamia Millia Islamia demanding the restoration of their students' union. Wearing a badge bearing the words "Dimagi Naxal", Shah questioned the government's response to dissent and its treatment of young people. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju launched a scathing attack on the actor, describing him as a "dangerous urban Naxal" and a "subversive intellectual". "I used to respect and like Naseeruddin Shah, thinking he was just an ordinary actor. I had no idea that he was a dangerous urban Naxal, a subversive intellectual. I discovered his true character far too late.
He is extremely detrimental to India's democracy," Rijiju said in a post on X. In the video, Shah said he is willing to embrace the label and questioned the terminology used for people critical of the government. "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," he said. Questioning the government's approach towards young people and educational institutions, Shah asked:
"What else will you do to break the courage of our country's youth, to destroy the education system, and to put our democracy at risk? How much will you do? How far will you go?" His remarks prompted a series of sharp responses from BJP leaders, with some accusing him of selective criticism and questioning his position on national security. Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane called Shah a "Dimagi Naxalite" and alleged that he is promoting Pakistan's narrative. Rane also questioned the actor's credibility and relevance in the film industry.
BJP MLA Balmukundacharya called for a boycott of actors whom he accused of siding with anti-national forces. "I will boycott those who betray the country. I am boycotting them from today, and I appeal to the people of this country to boycott film actors who side with anti-national forces, speak against the country, and incite people to create unrest," he said. The MLA also urged people to boycott films, advertisements and products endorsed by such actors, arguing that public figures should remain mindful of their responsibilities.
BJP national spokesperson RP Singh alleged that Shah's latest comments, along with his earlier statements, reflected views that could encourage instability. "The kind of language Naseeruddin Shah has used recently, along with his past statements that have been anti-national and supportive of Pakistan, and the way he has spoken about West Bengal this time, shows how his thinking is encouraging ideas that seek to create anarchy in the country," Singh said. Actor Puneet Issar also criticised Shah, questioning what he described as his selective approach to political and national issues while acknowledging his seniority and stature in the film industry.
"Naseeruddin Shah is our senior; he has been our teacher, he is respected, he is a very good artist. But I just want to say that when you talk, you should not talk selectively," Issar said. Issar maintained that Shah had every right to express his views and criticise the government but argued that public figures should also speak against those they believe threaten national unity. "You have every right to have your own opinion, you have the right to speak against the government," he said, adding that those dissatisfied with the government's policies could contest elections and seek public support. Questioning Shah's alleged silence on other issues, Issar said criticism should not be restricted to matters aligned with one's political beliefs.
"That is why I say that selective criticism is a very wrong thing. When it comes to national interest, those who want to destroy our country, those who want to break our country into pieces, those who speak anti-India, why don't you raise your voice against them?" he said.
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