Extremely harmful to Indian democracy: Rijiju criticizes Naseeruddin Shah’s ‘dimagi naxal’ video
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. File | Photo credit: PTI
Union minister Kiren Rijiju said Naseeruddin Shah is a “dangerous urban naxal imagi” whose views are “extremely harmful” to Indian democracy after the actor released a video accusing the Center of trying to destroy the education system.
In a post on X on Wednesday (Oct 28, 2026), the Minority Affairs Minister said that he used to respect Mr Shah but came to know his “true character” very late.
In a video posted on Facebook on Tuesday (Oct 27, 2026), a visibly angry Mr Shah came out in support of Jamia Millia Islamia students who were protesting for the reinstatement of the student union, calling himself a “dimagi naxal”.
He accused the BJP-led central government of trying to destroy the education system and break the “courage of the country’s youth”. Shah was also wearing a ‘dimagi naxal’ badge which he pointed at the camera.
Mr. Rijiju criticized the actor saying, “I thought Naseeruddin Shah was just an ordinary actor. I used to respect and like him… I never knew that he is a dangerous urban Dimagi Naxal.”
“I came to know his true character very late. (His views are) extremely harmful to Indian democracy,” he added.
The term “dimagi naxal” was first used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech. He described “dimagi naxals” as those who have allegedly taken root in the system and continue to pose a threat to society by manipulating policies.
Speaking to PTI Videos, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also asked Mr Shah about his remarks.
She said, “The question is whether Naseeruddin Shah is AKT Rathod or Gulam Hassan of ‘Sarfarosh’. He is talking about urban naxalism, supporting the tukde-tukde gang, anti-national movement. The question for you sir, with utmost respect, is whether you believe in pro-India slogans or anti-India.”
Shah played the antagonist, undercover operator Gulfam Hassan, in the action drama ‘Sarfarosh’ starring Aamir Khan. Khan played the role of the protagonist, ACP Ajay Singh Rathod, in the 1999 blockbuster.
Mr Shah, 76, frequently posts videos expressing his support for student-related issues and has criticized the government’s handling of the Janta cockroach party’s July protest against irregularities in the NEET exams.
Last week, Mr. Shah also came out in support of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute students who are on indefinite leave due to violent incidents on the campus.
In his video on Tuesday (October 27, 2026), he said: “I proudly declare that I am a ‘dimagi naxal’. I don’t know what other nicknames the vigilantes have given people like me, anti-national, ‘tukde-tukde’ gang and I don’t know what else.”
“… I want to ask this government a question… What more will you do to break the courage of our country’s youth, destroy the education system and threaten our democracy? How much will you do? How far will you go?” he said in hindi.
Published – 29 Oct 2026 11:37 IST