Jamia protest row: Naseeruddin Shah owns ‘Proud Dimagi Naxal’ tag, Kiren Rijiju hits out at actor over his remark

Naseeruddin Shah has voiced support for Jamia Millia Islamia students protesting over delayed student union elections. In a social media video, the actor criticised the central government and described himself as a “proud Dimagi Naxal”.

New Delhi: Actor Naseeruddin Shah has extended his support to students protesting at Jamia Millia Islamia over the delay in student union elections. In a video shared on social media on Wednesday, the veteran actor criticised the central government and accused it of trying to weaken the education system and suppress the voices of young people.

Shah, who recently backed students at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), appeared in the video wearing a ‘Dimagi Naxal’ pin. The phrase was used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year to refer to critics of the government.

In the video posted on Facebook, the actor said he proudly identified with the label and questioned what other names had been given to people who speak against the government.

“I proudly declare that I am Dimagi Naxal. I don’t know what other nicknames the watchmen have given to people like me, anti-national, ‘tukde tukde’ gang, and I don’t know what else,” Shah said in Hindi.

He also questioned the government’s response to student protests and expressed concern about the future of young people and the country’s education system.

“I want to ask this government a question. What else will you do to break the courage of our country’s youth, to destroy the education system, and to put our democracy at risk? How much will you do? How far will you go?” he said.

Naseeruddin Shah recalls........

© News9Live