Kiren Rijiju Calls Naseeruddin Shah ‘Dimagi Naxal’ After Actor Backs Jamia Millia Students’ Union Protest (Video)

Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has criticised veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah over his remarks against the BJP-led government, describing the actor as a person with a “dimagi Naxal” mindset. The controversy erupted after Shah expressed support for protesting students at Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi and declared himself a “dimagi Naxal” in a video posted on social media.

In the remarks shared in the X post, Rijiju said he had previously viewed Shah primarily as an artist whom he considered decent, but had changed his opinion after learning about his political views. He used the term “mental Naxal” while criticising the actor. Rijiju had earlier described Shah as a “dangerous urban Dimagi Naxal” and said his views were extremely harmful to Indian democracy. Gajendra Chauhan Challenges Naseeruddin Shah to Contest Elections, Says He Will Oppose Him.

Why Naseeruddin Shah Called Himself ‘Dimagi Naxal’

The controversy follows a video Shah shared on Facebook in which he voiced support for Jamia Millia Islamia students demanding the restoration of their students’ union. Wearing a badge bearing the words “Dimagi Naxal”, the actor said he was proud to accept the label and referred to other terms used against government critics, including “anti-national” and “tukde-tukde gang”.

‘Never Knew He Had This Mindset’

Shah also accused the BJP-led central government of undermining the education system, weakening the confidence of young people and putting democracy at risk. He referred to student protests at Jawaharlal Nehru University, the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata, and Jamia Millia Islamia.

The actor has previously expressed solidarity with students protesting at SRFTI over campus-related issues. Actor Naseeruddin Shah Backs Protesting Students at SRFTI Kolkata, Accuses Govt of Trying to ‘brainwash Students’.

Jamia Students’ Union Demand at the Centre of the Row

The dispute comes amid protests at Jamia Millia Islamia over the restoration of its students’ union. Elections have not been held since 2006, and students have been demanding the revival of the elected body, along with changes concerning the university administration.

The students’ agitation has brought renewed attention to student representation, campus governance and the right to dissent. Shah’s support for the protesters has now triggered a political exchange between the actor and leaders aligned with the ruling establishment.

Rijiju’s response has added a political dimension to the controversy, which centres on the competing views of the government’s critics and its supporters over student protests, freedom of expression and the role of dissent in a democracy.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 29, 2026 07:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).