'Brainy Naxal': Naseeruddin Shah Slams Govt Over Jamia Protests
Actor Naseeruddin Shah calls himself a 'brainy Naxal' and slams the government over the ongoing student protests at Jamia Millia Islamia.
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has sparked a massive political firestorm after releasing a scathing video message supporting the students of Jamia Millia Islamia. In a clip that went viral by October 28, 2026, the actor did not hold back in his critique of the central government, challenging the labels often used to silence dissent in the country.
The 'Brainy Naxal' and the 'Tukde-Tukde' Debate
Taking a bold stand, Shah proudly described himself as a 'brainy Naxal' (dimagi Naxal). He directly addressed the rhetoric frequently used against critics of the administration, specifically referencing terms like 'anti-national' and the 'tukde-tukde gang'.
In a sharp reversal of these accusations, Shah asserted that if a 'tukde-tukde gang' actually exists, it is the 'illegitimate government' itself that is responsible. The actor expressed profound worry over the current state of democratic institutions and the alleged erosion of educational autonomy, questioning what the future holds for the nation's youth under such policies.
17 Days of Unrest at Jamia
The actor's intervention comes as the protests at Jamia Millia Islamia entered their 17th day on October 28. The agitation, which began on October 12, is centered on a primary demand: the restoration of student union elections.
While the university administration has offered a promise to conduct elections within 15 days once the student union constitution is approved, the students remain unconvinced. They are demanding a concrete timeline and a fixed date for the polls, viewing the administration's promises as vague.
Escalating Tensions and Campus Crackdown
The situation on campus has grown increasingly volatile over the past few days:
- Eviction Notices: On October 26, the administration ordered students to vacate protest sites, alleging vandalism at the guard room, Gate Number 4, and surrounding walls. The university released video footage to support these claims.
- Police Involvement: Despite the allegations of damage, the Delhi Police reported on October 28 that they had not yet received a formal written complaint regarding the vandalism.
- Legal Restrictions: On October 27, authorities imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita around the campus to curb gatherings.
- Academic Shifts: The administration ordered the evacuation of the Ghalib Lawn and the Gulistan-e-Ghalib building. Consequently, classes have been moved online, and mid-semester exams have been postponed until November 8.
Conflicting Perspectives
The students have flatly rejected the administration's measures and continue to hold demonstrations, chanting slogans against the authorities.
On the government's side, Union Education Minister Prahlad Joshi stated on October 27 that negotiations with the student body are still underway. He urged the students to maintain peace and avoid disrupting law and order on the campus.
Meanwhile, the university faculty has raised its own set of concerns. During a meeting on October 26, faculty members expressed alarm over the disruption of academic activities, alleging that the student agitation is being fueled by external political actors rather than being a purely internal campus issue.