Former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti has sparked a fresh political firestorm by reiterating her support for Article 370, following Kiren Rijiju's defense of PM Modi's controversial 'mental Naxal' comment.

  • Mehbooba Mufti openly declares her continued support for the revoked Article 370.
  • The controversy stems from PM Modi's 'Dimagi Naxal' (Mental Naxal) terminology used during a Red Fort address.
  • Kiren Rijiju defended the PM's remarks, leading to a sharp reaction from Kashmiri leadership.

The political atmosphere in India has reached a boiling point following a series of provocative statements regarding national security, regional autonomy, and ideological warfare. At the center of this storm is Mehbooba Mufti, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, who has once again asserted her unwavering support for Article 370, the provision that previously granted special autonomous status to the region.

This declaration comes as a direct response to the ongoing debate surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent terminology. During a high-profile address from the Red Fort, the Prime Minister used the phrase 'Dimagi Naxal' (Mental Naxal) to describe individuals who harbor subversive ideologies while operating within the democratic framework. The remark has since triggered a massive digital trend, with thousands of users ironically forming a 'Dimagi Naxal Party' on Instagram.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this clash is not merely about a single phrase, but represents the deepening ideological divide between the central government's vision of a 'unified India' and the regional aspirations of Kashmiri leadership. The use of the term 'Naxal'—traditionally associated with armed insurgency—to describe intellectual or political dissent is seen by critics as an attempt to criminalize ideological opposition.

The intersection of regional identity and national security rhetoric often creates a volatile political vacuum where dialogue is replaced by labels.

Adding to the complexity, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stepped in to defend the Prime Minister's words, arguing that the term was meant to highlight the danger of internal subversive elements. However, Mufti's response underscores the lingering resentment in the valley over the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, which she views as a betrayal of the Kashmiri people's trust.

The debate has expanded beyond the valley, with BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi and Congress leader Supriya Shrinate engaging in a fierce war of words over historical figures and regional stability. Meanwhile, the Common Justice Party (CJP) and other political entities are attempting to mobilize those labeled as 'mental Naxals' to build a new coalition of dissent.

Did You Know?: Article 370 was a 'temporary' provision introduced in 1949 to define the relationship between Jammu & Kashmir and the Indian Union before its removal in August 2019.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'Dimagi Naxal' controversy?
It refers to PM Modi's description of people with subversive mindsets, which has since become a viral talking point and a symbol of political polarization.

Why does Mehbooba Mufti still support Article 370?
She believes the article protected the unique identity and autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir, and its removal was an undemocratic move.