Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has criticised veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah following his public support for the students protesting at Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi. The minister described Shah as having a “dimagi Naxal” mindset after the actor used the same term for himself in a video shared on social media.
The controversy began after Shah expressed solidarity with Jamia students demanding the restoration of their students’ union. His remarks prompted a response from Rijiju, who questioned the actor’s political views and criticised his comments about the BJP-led government.
Kiren Rijiju’s Remarks on Naseeruddin Shah
In a post on X, Rijiju said he had previously regarded Shah primarily as an artist whom he considered decent. However, he said his perception had changed after learning about the actor’s political opinions.
The minister used the term “mental Naxal” while criticising Shah. Rijiju had also previously referred to the actor as a “dangerous urban Dimagi Naxal” and described his views as harmful to Indian democracy.
The exchange has brought renewed attention to the disagreement between the minister and the actor over political criticism and student activism.
Why Naseeruddin Shah Called Himself ‘Dimagi Naxal’
The controversy followed a video Shah posted on Facebook in support of Jamia Millia Islamia students seeking the restoration of their students’ union. Wearing a badge with the words “Dimagi Naxal”, the actor said he was proud to accept the label.
Shah also referred to expressions such as “anti-national” and “tukde-tukde gang”, which have been used to criticise people opposing the government.
In the video, the actor accused the BJP-led central government of weakening the education system, reducing young people’s confidence and putting democracy at risk. He also mentioned student protests at Jawaharlal Nehru University, the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata, and Jamia Millia Islamia.
Shah has previously voiced support for students protesting at SRFTI over issues concerning their campus.
Jamia Students’ Union Restoration Demand
The dispute comes amid ongoing student protests at Jamia Millia Islamia over the restoration of its elected students’ union. Elections have not been conducted since 2006, and students are demanding the revival of the representative body, alongside changes relating to the university administration.
The protests have brought student representation, campus governance and the right to express dissent into focus. Shah’s public support for the students has drawn a political response from Rijiju, adding another dimension to the debate.
The controversy reflects differing positions on student activism, freedom of expression and criticism of the government, with the actor’s comments and the minister’s response placing these issues at the centre of the discussion.