Opposition leaders on Saturday (August 15, 2026) hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "dimagi Naxals" reference in his Independence Day address, accusing him of using labels to target dissent, while also tearing into his appeal to parties to implement women's reservation and questioning the linking of it with delimitation.CPI(M) General Secretary M. A. Baby stated that while his party opposes Maoism, they accuse the government of violating the law and the Constitution in its handling of Maoists. He described the Prime Minister's reference to individuals with a "Naxal mentality" as an attempt to target the Opposition.Also read: Independence Day LIVE updates"Naxalism is a political perspective and approach with which we all fully disagree. We don't support the modus operandi of Maoists or Naxals. They take up arms and don't participate in general democratic political activity," Mr. Baby told PTI Videos."But now, his narrative is that urban Naxals are there; now he says 'people with Naxal mentality'... They always want to accuse people in opposition that they are anti-national, and to go to Pakistan. This is a very convenient accusation that they are Maoist in their mind. It is an atrocious allegation," he said.Mr. Baby also accused the Modi government of engaging in "State terrorism" regarding its treatment of arrested Maoists, alleging that some individuals were shot dead in custody rather than being subjected to legal proceedings.On the topic of women's reservation, he urged all political parties to press the government to implement the quota for women in existing seats instead of linking it to delimitation.Independence Day 2026: PM Modi leads India in commemorating 80 years of freedom | In PhotosPatriotic spirits soar as locals gather to hoist the National Flag in front of the historic Charminar monument in Hyderabad, marking India's milestone 80th Independence Day on Saturday, August 15, 2026.PM Modi inspects the Guard of Honour at the Red Fort during the 80th Independence Day celebration, in New Delhi on August 15, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoists the National Flag at the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day.