Kiren Rijiju criticised Naseeruddin Shah for supporting Jamia students and accusing the Centre of undermining education and democracy. Shah called himself a “dimagi naxal,” sparking political backlash, with Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also questioning his remarks. In a post on X, Rijiju said he had misunderstood Shah's political leanings for years and accused him of undermining India's democratic system.