India, Aug. 16 -- The Opposition has made some sharp criticism day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made 'dimaagi naxal' remarks in his Independence Day speech at Red Fort.

Modi on Saturday warned against what he described as "dimagi Naxals" (intellectual Naxals), saying that while the government had won against armed Maoists, people sympathetic to the ideology were still looking for opportunities to influence and "brainwash" the youth. He said it is imperative to identify and isolate such 'dimaagi Naxal."

The remarks set off a political slugfest withe Congress leaders labelling the new terminology a "sure sign of desperation.

Taking a swipe at the PM, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said, "I am proud to be a dimagi naxal".

Con...