Dissent Versus Anarchy: NDA and Allies Respond to Shah

New Delhi, October 25: Actor Naseeruddin Shah's comments on the Mahabharata and Jamia students have sparked a heated political debate. Leaders from the BJP have sharply criticised him, while a few allies and opposition voices have defended his right to speak.

Ram Kadam, a BJP leader, said Shah was a talented performer and that the party respected his artistry. Yet he added that the actor's remarks on the Mahabharata seemed to reflect the language of a Pakistani leader. Kadam asked whether Shah was supporting the 'tukde-tukde gang' and raised the issue of Umar Khalid, who he said was accused of involvement in the Delhi riots. Kadam alleged that Shah was standing with those who praise Afzal Guru, who was convicted in the Parliament attack case.

Keya Ghosh, a BJP spokesperson, went further in her criticism. She said Shah's claims were false and that the individuals he described as students had cleared their courses years ago but remained on campus. She pointed to offensive slogans written on walls against the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister, adding that such conduct did not match that of genuine students. She also said a group had occupied the Vice Chancellor's room for three consecutive days.

Ghosh also referred to the actor's family, claiming close links with leftist politics. She cited his niece's candidacy for CPI(M) and her husband's candidacy as a leftist, noting that both lost twice before she moved to London. She asserted that the family believed in capitalism despite appearing socialist to Shah. She said his hostility toward the BJP was visible, especially after the party formed the government in West Bengal.

Virendra Sachdeva, another BJP leader, said the country had given Shah and his art immense love and respect. He said he had no hesitation in stating that the remarks made by Farooq Abdullah and Naseeruddin Shah were concerning. He claimed that some people in the country eat its food but support Pakistan, and suggested they should think about how they should be treated.

AITC MP Saugata Roy backed the actor and said his statement was correct. He stated that he fully supported Shah's position.

Rajiv Ranjan, national spokesperson of JD(U), said Shah was recognised globally for his acting talent. He said the actor has crores of fans in India and that their sentiments should be considered. Ranjan stressed that a mature actor like Naseeruddin Shah must understand the difference between dissent and anarchy.

With leaders across the political spectrum weighing in, the controversy highlights the growing divide over the limits of public speech by public figures.