Javed Akhtar compares Hindu right-wing to Taliban, irks BJP

Since the Taliban came in power in Afghanistan last month, many Pakistani, Indian and international celebrities shared their two cents on the recent situation of arts and culture in the country. Previously, Bollywood veteran star Naseeruddin Shah called out Muslims who were supporting the Taliban, which resulted in the Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na actor being criticised by social media users. 

Now, popular lyricist Javed Akhtar has seemingly compared the Taliban with Hindu right-wing group, RSS (The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh). Soon after his statement, the writer's statement has been denounced by the Indian ruling party, BJP.

According to News 18, Maharashtra MLA and BJP spokesperson Ram Kadam took to Twitter and shared a video saying that until Akhtar apologises to RSS for his analogy, none of his films will be allowed to screen in India.

Reacting on the same, BJP MLA commented, “This statement by Javed Akhtar is not just shameful, but painful and humiliating for crores of functionaries of the Sangh and the Vishva Hindu Parishad and crores of people across the world who follow their ideology." 

In the video, the BJP MLA can be seen asking the writer to have at least reflected that the people with the same ideology are running the government now, and are fulfilling the ‘Raj Dharma’. He further says that if the ideology was Talibani, would he have been able to make these remarks? 

"We will not allow any of his films to run in this land of Ma Bharti till he apologises with folded hands to the functionaries of the Sangh who have dedicated their lives to the nation," the MLA said in the video.

The lyricist had told NDTV, "Most of the Muslims I spoke to were shocked and appalled that such statements were made by some." He added, "Today, most young Muslims in India want a good job and a good education for their children in good schools. But on the other hand, there are some who want to believe in this kind of regressive thinking - where men and women are segregated, where the regressive mindset is promoted."

He went on to comment that the number of Muslims supporting the Taliban is very less. "The right-wing across the world want the same things. Just like the Taliban want an Islamic State, there are those who want a Hindu Rashtra. These people are of the same mindset - be it Muslim, Christian, Jews or Hindus," Akhtar then remarked. "This is kind of a dress rehearsal for becoming like full-fledged Taliban. Of course, the Taliban is barbaric, and their actions are reprehensible, but those supporting the RSS, VHP and Bajrang Dal are all the same. This country is basically a secular country. The idea of Taliban can't appeal to an Indian."

Previously, he has been critical of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and its policies. Akhtar has been a member of the Rajya Sabha in the past.

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