In the Nupur Sharma comment row, actor Kangana Ranaut defended herself by saying, “I’m entitled to my opinions”
In the wake of international condemnation of BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma’s controversial remarks about Prophet Mohammad, actress Kangana Ranaut expressed her support for the politician, saying she was “entitled to her opinions.” As the row over their alleged derogatory remarks about Prophet Mohammad escalated with protests from some Muslim countries, the BJP suspended Sharma and expelled its Delhi unit media head Naveen Kumar Jindal on Sunday.
Ms Ranaut also condemned death threats against Ms Sharma in an Instagram Story, urging people to take legal action if they wanted her to be held accountable for comments she made during a TV debate nearly ten days ago.
“I see all kinds of threats directed at Nupur, I see all kinds of threats directed at her, when Hindu Gods are insulted, which they are almost every day, we go to court, pls do that, no need to play dons yourself…(sic)” wrote the actor.
“This is not Afghanistan; we have a properly functioning government that is elected through a democratic process… just a reminder for those who continue to forget,” she added.
Ms Ranaut’s statement comes just hours after Delhi Police provided security to Ms Sharma and her family after she claimed she had been threatened and harassed because of her comments. In the wake of Muslim protests and harsh retaliation from countries such as Kuwait, Qatar, and Iran, the BJP issued a statement declaring that it respects all religions and strongly condemns insults to religious figures.
Ms Sharma’s and Mr Jindal’s comments in now-deleted tweets sparked a Twitter trend calling for an Arab boycott of Indian products. On Monday night, actor Swara Bhasker shared a tweet from Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemning inflammatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad and emphasising the importance of respecting all religious beliefs.
Gushan Deviah, the star of “Badhaai Do!” said in a tweet that “freedom of speech can’t be absolute.”
“It must bear the burden of social responsibility, but that’s different from society to society. Telling someone not to be hurt after hurting them is the a****ole thing to do & in politics such opportunities will be properly exploited,” Deviah added. Ms Sharma unconditionally withdrew her controversial statement after being suspended from the Centre Party, claiming that her remarks were a reaction to “continuous insult and disrespect towards our Mahadev (Lord Shiva).”
Richa Chadha, an actress, questioned whether Ms Sharma’s withdrawal of her remarks could be considered an apology.
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