RSS-linked weekly calls UPA-era National Advisory Council 'dimagi naxal'

Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the term “Dimagi Naxals” in his Independence Day speech, the debate around the label has widened, with the RSS-linked weekly Organiser extending the term to the National Advisory Council (NAC) set up during the UPA government.In its latest issue, Organiser, a weekly publication associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), described the Sonia Gandhi-led NAC as a “classic takeover” by what it called “Dimagi Naxals of governance." The editorial alleged that such individuals sought to influence the bureaucracy, policy machinery, legal system, academia, media and NGOs.In his August 15 address, PM Modi said that while armed Naxalism had been tackled in the jungles, people with a “Naxal mentality” were still looking for opportunities to create violence and unrest. He called for such “Dimagi Naxals” to be identified and isolated.‘DIMAGI NAXALS’ ACCUSED OF OPERATING THROUGH CIVIL SOCIETYOrganiser editor Prafulla Ketkar wrote that “Dimagi Naxals” do not necessarily carry guns but operate through groups and institutions representing students, women, labourers, farmers, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and minorities. The editorial alleged that such networks use protests over issues including education, healthcare, farmers’ concerns and development to eventually target Hindutva and Hindu civilisational identity.It also alleged that intellectuals, journalists, lawyers, activists, NGOs, cultural groups and sections of the technology industry help such networks influence public opinion and amplify their messaging through social media. American political scientist Gene Sharp, known for his work on strategic nonviolent resistance, was also described in the editorial as part of this broader ideological framework. It alleged that strategies associated with such movements seek to undermine the legitimacy of elected governments and electoral politics.UPA-ERA NAC IN FOCUSThe NAC was established in 2004 to advise the UPA government on policy matters, with Sonia Gandhi serving as its chairperson. Its recommendations contributed to several major government initiatives, including the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, the Right to Information Act, the National Rural Health Mission, the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission.Gandhi served as NAC chairperson until May 2006, when she resigned from the council and the Lok Sabha amid the office-of-profit controversy. She returned as chairperson after the council was reconstituted in 2010.RIJIJU CLARIFIES PM MODI'S REMARKPM Modi’s August 15 comments triggered a political debate, with Opposition parties questioning the use of the term.Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju subsequently clarified that PM Modi was not referring to Opposition leaders. He said “Dimagi Naxals” referred to those who support Maoists and reject the Constitution, back separatists and support Article 370, among other positions.The latest editorial has brought the term back into focus, this time linking it to the legacy of the UPA-era NAC and the role of civil society and public institutions in policymaking.- EndsPublished By: Ritaban MisraPublished On: Aug 28, 2026 18:24 IST