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Rijiju Slams Naseeruddin Shah as “Urban Naxal”

By Drooid · Oct 29, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Actor Naseeruddin Shah posted a video on Oct 28, calling himself a “dimagi naxal” and criticizing Jamia protests.
In the video Shah expressed solidarity with Jamia students demanding restoration of their elected union dissolved since 2006.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju replied on X, calling Shah a “dangerous urban dimagi naxal” and saying his remarks harm democracy.
Education Minister Pralhad Joshi condemned Jamia violence, warned against hooliganism, and announced a committee to examine grievances.

History

In June 1975 Prime Minister Indira Gandhi invoked Articles 352 and 356 to impose a nationwide Emergency, suspending civil liberties and arresting dissenters. More than 100,000 opponents—including former Deputy PM Morarji Desai and university leaders—were detained under laws such as MISA. Today, actor Naseeruddin Shah’s “dimagi Naxal” comment on Jamia Millia Islamia’s student union revives the Emergency’s legacy of branding protest as subversive.

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In June 1975 Prime Minister Indira Gandhi invoked Articles 352 and 356 to impose a nationwide Emergency, suspending civil liberties and arresting dissenters. More than 100,000 opponents—including former Deputy PM Morarji Desai and university leaders—were detained under laws such as MISA. Today, actor Naseeruddin Shah’s “dimagi Naxal” comment on Jamia Millia Islamia’s student union revives the Emergency’s legacy of branding protest as subversive.

1 / 2