Dharmendra Pradhan urges democratic fight against 'Dimagi Naxals' in Patna
Synopsis
Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan escalated the 'Dimagi Naxal' debate in Patna, calling for a united democratic push against forces he accused of breeding anarchy and blocking India's growth — remarks that land squarely in an already charged political conversation about the boundaries of dissent.
Key Takeaways
Dharmendra Pradhan made the remarks on 9 November 2026 at the residence of JD(U) Working President Sanjay Kumar Jha in Patna .
Pradhan accused 'Dimagi Naxals' of nurturing anarchist elements and working against India's development.
He urged citizens to counter such forces democratically and constitutionally .
Pradhan cited PM Modi's Diwali celebration with security forces at the CoBRA base in Bastar, Chhattisgarh .
The remarks come amid a political debate over the definition and use of the term 'Dimagi Naxal' .
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday, 9 November 2026, called for a democratic and constitutional struggle against what he termed 'Dimagi Naxals', accusing them of nurturing anarchist tendencies and obstructing India's growth. Pradhan made the remarks in Patna after arriving at the residence of Janata Dal (United) National Working President Sanjay Kumar Jha.
Key Remarks by Pradhan
Speaking to reporters, Pradhan accused the so-called 'Dimagi Naxals' of actively working against the country's development. 'The people who want to spread anarchy are Dimagi Naxals and have to be fought against democratically and constitutionally. The Prime Minister is right about this,' he said.
He further urged citizens to unite against such elements. 'These are the people who give birth to anarchist elements in the country. The people of the nation have to come together against them. These elements that are against the growth and development of India have to be removed. Any forces that act against the interests of the nation should be fought and given a befitting reply,' Pradhan said.
Bihar's Festive Context
Pradhan's visit coincided with the post-Diwali festive mood in Bihar, with the state now preparing for Chhath Puja. He hailed the celebrations and expressed confidence in the state's developmental trajectory. 'Deepawali was celebrated with great enthusiasm. Bihar is now preparing to celebrate Chhath Puja. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both Bihar and India are reaching new heights of development,' he said.
Modi's Diwali with Security Forces
Pradhan also referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Diwali celebrations with paramilitary and security personnel at the CoBRA operation base in Karanpur, in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, on Sunday. He noted that the gesture reflected the Prime Minister's commitment to those serving in conflict zones.
Political Debate Over the Term
Pradhan's statements come amid a broader political debate over the use of the phrase 'Dimagi Naxal' and what constitutes anti-national activity. Critics argue the term is loosely defined and could be wielded to target legitimate dissent, though Pradhan emphasised that the counter must remain strictly within democratic and constitutional bounds. Notably, this is not the first time senior BJP leaders have employed the phrase to describe ideological opponents they accuse of undermining governance and national unity.
With Bihar preparing for Chhath Puja and the political climate heated by the ongoing debate, Pradhan's remarks are likely to generate further reactions from opposition parties in the coming days.
Point of View
But critics will note that the absence of a clear definition makes the label susceptible to misuse. The timing — during Bihar's festive season and ahead of likely political activity in the state — is not incidental. Linking developmental optimism with a call to root out 'anti-national' thought is a well-worn electoral register, and its reappearance signals that the BJP is sharpening its ideological framing for the months ahead.
NationPress
9 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Dharmendra Pradhan mean by 'Dimagi Naxals'?
Pradhan used the term 'Dimagi Naxals' to describe individuals he accused of promoting anarchy and working against India's growth and development. He called for a democratic and constitutional struggle to counter them, without naming specific individuals or organisations.
Where did Dharmendra Pradhan make these remarks?
Pradhan made the remarks on 9 November 2026 in Patna, after arriving at the residence of JD(U) National Working President Sanjay Kumar Jha. The visit took place in the context of post-Diwali and upcoming Chhath Puja festivities in Bihar.
What was the political context of Pradhan's statement?
The remarks came amid an ongoing national debate over the use of the phrase 'Dimagi Naxal' and how to define forces allegedly acting against national interests. Critics argue the term is vague and could be used to target dissent, while BJP leaders maintain it refers to those actively promoting anarchy.
How did Pradhan reference PM Modi's Diwali?
Pradhan highlighted PM Narendra Modi's Diwali celebration with paramilitary and security personnel at the CoBRA operation base in Karanpur, Bastar, Chhattisgarh, as an example of the Prime Minister's solidarity with forces serving in conflict zones.
What is the significance of Pradhan's visit to Sanjay Kumar Jha's residence?
The visit to the residence of JD(U) National Working President Sanjay Kumar Jha signals continued coordination between the BJP and JD(U), alliance partners in Bihar, particularly as the state enters a politically and culturally significant festive period ahead of Chhath Puja.
