CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah on Thursday, 29 October 2026, sharply attacked Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, branding him a 'mental criminal' in response to Rijiju's X post labelling veteran Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah a 'dangerous urban Dimagi Naxal' and a threat to Indian democracy. The war of words signals a fresh flashpoint over free speech and political labelling in India.

How the Controversy Unfolded

The row began after Rijiju posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, saying he had previously respected Shah but had since changed his view. '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! I came to know about his true character very late. Extremely harmful for the democracy of India,' Rijiju wrote. The post drew immediate reactions from opposition politicians and civil society.

Mollah's Counterattack

Mollah did not hold back in his response, alleging that Rijiju lacked a basic understanding of India's freedom struggle, fundamental rights, and constitutional values. 'Kiren Rijiju knows his own idea. He has no understanding of India's freedom, democracy or Constitution,' Mollah said. He further argued that Shah — a critically acclaimed and internationally recognised actor — deserved to be heard for his support of Gen-Z protesters, rather than subjected to personal attacks. Mollah also claimed that citizens who question the government or speak out against wrongdoing are being systematically labelled as 'brainwashed Naxals.' 'Those who act as agents, sycophants, flatterers and blind followers are mentally ill or 'mental criminals'. Today, people in the country have been divided into two groups: Naseeruddin Shah is a 'brainwashed Naxal', while Kiren Rijiju is a 'Dimagi pagal',' he said.

BJP Tactics Under Scrutiny

Mollah went further, alleging that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had developed a pattern of targeting dissenters with derogatory labels. 'Now, in the BJP, it is like commit rape and become an MP. Now, the people will speak against it. Whoever is raising questions is being called a 'Dimagi Naxal',' he alleged. The remarks escalated the verbal duel well beyond a personal spat over Shah's views.

Congress Weighs In

Congress Member of Parliament Jebi Mather also criticised the BJP's approach, arguing that the party habitually deploys labels against those who voice dissenting opinions. 'Anybody who speaks anything that the BJP doesn't like, they come up with many terms, such as 'Tukde-Tukde gang' and 'Urban Naxal' or 'Dimagi Naxal'. That is their way of functioning. There is nothing surprising about them coming up with names to call anybody,' she said. This comes amid a broader and recurring national debate over the use of such labels to frame critics of the ruling establishment. Notably, terms like 'Urban Naxal' and 'Tukde-Tukde gang' have been employed in similar controversies since at least 2018, each time reigniting questions about the boundaries of political speech. The episode is unlikely to fade quickly, with opposition parties expected to amplify the issue in Parliament.