Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 29: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday criticised veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah over his remarks supporting the ongoing student protests at Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi, expressing disappointment over the actor describing himself as a “dimagi naxal”.
Reacting to Shah’s video on X, Rijiju said he had previously respected and admired the actor but was unaware of what he called his “dangerous” views.
“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 learned about his true character very late. He is extremely harmful to India’s democracy,” the minister added.
Shah had posted a video on Facebook on Tuesday expressing support for students of Jamia Millia Islamia, where protests demanding the restoration of the students’ union have continued for nearly three weeks.
In the video, the actor accused the Narendra Modi government of undermining educational institutions and weakening democratic values. He also alleged that the government was attempting to suppress the spirit of young people.
“ 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,” Shah said in Hindi.
The term “dimagi naxal” was used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech in 2026. Subsequently, several ruling party leaders adopted the phrase to criticise Opposition leaders whom they accused of supporting Maoist ideology.
The students’ agitation at Jamia Millia Islamia entered its 17th day on Thursday, with protesters demanding a definite timeline for student union elections. The university had earlier announced that elections would be held within 15 days of approval of the union’s constitution. However, the students have continued their protest, as elections have not been held since 2006.
Amid the agitation, the university announced that online classes would continue until November 24. According to the latest order, physical classes would not resume before January 13, with changes also announced to the examination schedule and winter vacation.