PM Modi at SRCC Centenary: 'Dimagi Naxal' Remark Was a Homeopathic Test, Not an Attack
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the centenary celebrations of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) in Delhi, where he defended his recent use of the term “dimagi Naxal” (mental Naxals) and urged students to reflect on the nation's journey over the past decade.
Speaking to a largely young audience, PM Modi described the phrase as a “homeopathic pill” given during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort. He said the term was intended to draw out critics who, in his view, promote certain ideologies. “According to the principles of homeopathy, when you begin homeopathic treatment, the disease initially gets worse. That is the nature of homeopathy,” he said. “Similarly, as soon as I gave the 'dimagi Naxal' homeopathic pill, all the 'dimagi Naxals' started coming out one after another. And now the public is also seeing the true colours of those who are promoting this illness.”
The term “dimagi Naxal” has been used by the Prime Minister in recent weeks to describe intellectuals and activists whom he accuses of holding obstructive or anti-national views. The remark has drawn criticism from opposition parties and some civil liberties groups, who see it as an attempt to stifle dissent. PM Modi's remarks at SRCC did not directly name any individual or organisation.
The Prime Minister used the occasion to present a contrast between the governance of the past and that under his leadership, particularly in handling national crises. He recalled the 2013 Kedarnath floods, stating that the then government was “shaken” and did not know how to respond. He also criticised the handling of the 2008 global financial crisis, alleging that the previous government “tried to hide behind the crisis for years” and pushed the banking system to the brink of collapse.
PM Modi then narrated a series of challenges his own government faced: the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, the weaponisation of trade and supply chains, and the crisis in West Asia. He said that in each instance, some people believed India would not survive. “Those who are my biggest admirers were happy, thinking, 'Now Modi is trapped. Now Modi has fallen. Now they will crush him.' But the blessings of the people of my country have so much strength that every wish of those who want India to fail is being left unfulfilled,” he asserted.
The Prime Minister's address was framed as a message to Gen-Z, encouraging them to think about building a developed nation. He urged students to learn from the past without being weighed down by it. “Some people may think, 'What is this? This is a country of 140 crore people. It was very easy. What new thing did Modi do?' But was it really that easy? I want to take you back to the old days once again,” he said.
PM Modi had earlier visited SRCC in 2013 as Gujarat Chief Minister, and his lecture then went viral on social media during the run-up to the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Saturday's appearance was part of the college's centenary year celebrations.
Political observers note that the Prime Minister's speech reflects the ruling party's effort to engage young voters ahead of upcoming elections, while also reiterating his government's narrative on handling crises. The opposition, however, has dismissed the 'dimagi Naxal' remark as divisive rhetoric that avoids substantive debate.
