Rahul Gandhi challenges PM Modi to open debate after ‘Intellectual Naxal’ remark

Explained

A new war of words has broken out between the Congress and the BJP after Prime Minister Narendra Modi described certain critics as "Naxals" in a speech delivered around Deepavali. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has responded by repeatedly challenging the Prime Minister to a public debate.

What happened

According to The Hindu, the Prime Minister made his remarks about "intellectual Naxals" during a Deepavali visit to Bastar. News 18 reported that Modi said "dimagi Naxals" had infiltrated several organisations, including political parties, and were instigating people against the Constitution and democracy. Hindustan Times described the remarks as saying that ideological supporters of the Naxal movement had infiltrated political parties and various organisations.

Rahul Gandhi answered by saying that the Prime Minister had "called us Naxals," a line that Times of India and News 18 both carried in their headlines. Deccan Herald and Hindustan Times reported that he said he was ready to debate "any time, any place." Outlook India said his challenge "stands," and The Hindu reported that he asked the Prime Minister to join an open debate, though its report is cut off before fully stating what the debate would be about. Hindustan Times framed Gandhi's response as a reply to what it called an "anti-national charge."

Why it matters

The exchange places the Congress and the BJP in direct confrontation over who is being labelled as Naxal sympathisers and what that label implies for political parties and their critics. Because the Prime Minister's comments were directed at a broad group, including people within political parties, the response has been framed by the opposition as a personal and political accusation. The reports do not describe any formal response from the government or the BJP beyond the original remarks.

What we don't know yet

The reports differ on some details. The Hindu places the remarks in Bastar, while the other outlets do not name the location. Phrases vary between "intellectual Naxals" and "dimagi Naxals," and the coverage does not settle whether these are the same phrase used in different translations or reports. The sources also do not say whether a debate will take place, when, or who would take part. Readers should look to later reporting for any development on that question.

Written by the 91News.in desk with AI assistance, based on reports from The Hindu, News 18, Deccan Herald, Outlook India, Hindustan Times, Times of India. Updated 10 Nov 2026, 10:05 pm. Spotted an error? Tell us.