Politics1 min read

‘Never knew he was dangerous’: Rijiju on Naseeruddin Shah’s ‘dimagi naxal’ remark

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The dispute intensified when Kiren Rijiju posted on social media that he only recently discovered Shah's true character, labeling him a dangerous figure detrimental to the nation. Shah had previously published a video declaring pride in being identified with terms like "dimagi naxal" and the "tukde-tukde gang." The veteran actor utilized the recording to defend his active involvement in demonstrations spanning Mumbai, Jantar Mantar, and Jamia Millia Islamia. Furthermore, Shah denounced the administration as an illegitimate regime while questioning its ongoing impact on youth and democratic institutions.

Key points

  • Kiren Rijiju stated that the veteran performer is extremely harmful to the foundations of…: Kiren Rijiju stated that the veteran performer is extremely harmful to the foundations of Indian democracy.
  • Naseeruddin Shah publicly embraced political labels frequently directed at dissidents by…: Naseeruddin Shah publicly embraced political labels frequently directed at dissidents by calling himself a dimagi naxal.
  • The confrontation reflects escalating friction surrounding Shah's vocal endorsements of s…: The confrontation reflects escalating friction surrounding Shah's vocal endorsements of student movements and university protests.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Shah reportedly challenged the authorities to take action against him over his views.

NEW DELHI: Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday hit back at veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah after he reportedly described himself as a “dimagi naxal” and part of the “tukde-tukde gang” in a video shared on social media.“I thought Naseeruddin Shah was just an ordinary actor. I used to respect & like him.. I never knew that he was a dangerous urban Dimagi Naxal!” Rijiju wrote on X.

The minister added in Hindi that he had learnt about Shah’s “real character” very late and described him as extremely harmful to Indian democracy.The controversy follows Shah’s vocal support for student movements and protests, including demonstrations linked to Jamia Millia Islamia and gatherings at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, as well as student protests in Mumbai.In the video, Shah reportedly challenged the authorities to take action against him over his views. He can be heard saying, "I say it with pride... I am a 'dimagi anaxal'. Besides this, they have given people like me so many other labels: anti-national, tukde-tukde gang,…

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