‘Intellectual Naxal’ label an attempt to suppress dissent, alleges CPI(M)
CPI(M) leader V. Srinivasa Rao has criticized the BJP-led government for using the term 'intellectual Naxal' to suppress dissent and silence critics. He also raised concerns regarding the deletion of voters from electoral rolls in Andhra Pradesh.
Why it matters
This highlights ongoing tensions regarding democratic freedom, political labeling, and the integrity of electoral processes in India.
CPI(M) Andhra Pradesh secretary V. Srinivasa Rao has accused the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre of attempting to suppress dissent by branding critics as “intellectual Naxals,” and says that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech is “a matter of shame” for the country.
Addressing the media in Vijayawada on Sunday, along with party State Secretariat member Y. Venkateswara Rao, he said the term “intellectual Naxal” was being deliberately coined to silence the younger generation and curb constitutional rights.
The government was using the term as a tool to intimidate intellectuals, democrats and those questioning its policies, creating the possibility of anyone being targeted and jailed. The Centre was pursuing an “extremely dangerous” course by attempting to impose authoritarianism and suppress democratic voices, he alleged.
Mr. Srinivasa Rao appealed to the intellectuals, democrats and political parties to condemn the attempt to criminalise dissent.
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