The political dispute escalated after the 76-year-old actor released a video wearing a badge labeled "dimagi naxal" to challenge labels directed at government critics. Shah accused the administration of weakening the education system and suppressing youth confidence, prompting Rijiju to declare that he had uncovered the actor's true character. Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC joined the criticism, invoking Shah's villainous role in the film "Sarfarosh" to question his national allegiance.
Key points
Shah used the controversial phrase to contest government labels and voice support for stu…: Shah used the controversial phrase to contest government labels and voice support for student-led movements across India.
Rijiju asserted that his prior respect for the actor dissolved after witnessing his vocal…: Rijiju asserted that his prior respect for the actor dissolved after witnessing his vocal political positions against the administration.
Political backlash widened as Shaina NC publicly questioned whether the veteran actor sto…: Political backlash widened as Shaina NC publicly questioned whether the veteran actor stood for or against the interests of India.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Listen to this article in summarized format
In a post on X on Wednesday, the minority affairs minister said he had always respected Shah as an actor but had only recently come to know his "real character".
The remarks came after Shah shared a video on Facebook on Tuesday, expressing solidarity with students of Jamia Millia Islamia who have been demanding the restoration of their students' union.
Also Read:'I'm Dimagi naxal and declare it proudly': Naseeruddin Shah now backs Jamia students with new video
Wearing a pin bearing the words "dimagi naxal", Shah used the term to describe himself and accused the BJP-led government of weakening the education system and trying to break the confidence of young people.
"I thought Naseeruddin Shah was just an ordinary actor. I used to respect and like him... I never knew that he was a dangerous urban Dimagi Naxal," Rijiju wrote.
"I came to know about his real character very late," he added, calling the actor's views "extremely harmful to India's democracy".
The term "dimagi naxal" was earlier used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi…
High-profile political figures are mobilizing voters across the country as the United States heads toward crucial midterm elections. At the same time, critical economic data regarding inflation and national output are slated for release, creating a pivotal moment for domestic policy. Overseas, political instability continues as foreign allies navigate inconclusive parliamentary votes.
Economic analysts warn that the government's latest fiscal package spreads critical subsidies too thinly across income brackets, leaving households vulnerable to elevated power costs. Independent projections indicate typical family disposable incomes will drop significantly over the coming years despite targeted interventions. Ministers maintain the broad relief strategy is necessary to insulate millions of citizens from severe global inflationary shocks.
Thinktank analysis shows that recent fiscal measures distribute financial aid almost equally between wealthy and low-income families rather than focusing relief where it is most needed. Economic forecasters warn this policy approach, paired with long-term spending plans, threatens to usher in renewed austerity across public services while reducing disposable income for millions of working-age households over the coming years.