# Indian political dispute over Naxalism remarks > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/indian-political-dispute-over-naxalism-remarks > Updated: 2026-09-09T05:14:45.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. Political controversy has emerged in India following remarks by Congress leader P. Chidambaram regarding ‘Dimagi Naxals’ (intellectual Naxals). In Chhattisgarh, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao criticized the comments, suggesting such rhetoric hinders the eradication of Naxalism. Simultaneously, the Bastar Shanti Samiti, representing victims of Naxal violence, protested in Delhi, stating that Chidambaram’s remarks were “deeply hurtful” to those who suffered from insurgent attacks. The dispute expanded into a clash between BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Chidambaram. Chandrasekhar questioned Chidambaram’s self-description as an ‘intellectual Naxal’ in light of the recent conviction of 10 individuals involved in a 2013 Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh. Chidambaram defended his record by noting he had left the Union Home Ministry prior to that specific attack, while Chandrasekhar accused the Congress party of maintaining a soft stance on Left-Wing Extremism. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: Rajeev Chandrasekhar and P. Chidambaram clash over Naxalism remarks BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Congress leader P. Chidambaram have engaged in a political exchange over Naxalism and ideological affiliations following recent court convictions in Chhattisgarh. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rajeev-chandrasekhar-and-p-chidambaram-clash-over-naxalism-remarks ### 2026-08-18: Chhattisgarh officials and victims protest Chidambaram’s ‘Dimagi Naxal’ remarks Chhattisgarh officials and victims' families are protesting remarks by Congress leader P. Chidambaram regarding ‘Dimagi Naxals,’ citing the pain caused to those affected by Naxal violence in Bastar. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chhattisgarh-officials-and-victims-protest-chidambarams-dimagi-naxal-remarks --- Cite as: Indian political dispute over Naxalism remarks. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/indian-political-dispute-over-naxalism-remarks