Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh called Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'dimaagi Naxals' remark a sign of desperation. Prime Minister Modi stated that armed Naxalism has been eliminated but ideological influence remains a concern. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the government's performance and divisive politics during Independence Day. He credited previous Congress governments with fundamental rights initiatives for the people. The BJP attacked Rahul Gandhi's absence from the Red Fort celebrations.