New Delhi: Several political groups have suggested Kangana Ranaut’s Padma Shri should be withdrawn and she should be prosecuted with sedition after she declared that India gained actual independence in 2014, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power, and that the 1947 Independence was “bheekh,” or charity. She was awarded the Padma Shri this week.
Anand Sharma, Congress leader, said on Twitter, tagging President Ram Nath Kovind, “The Padma Award given to Ms. Ranaut should be withdrawn immediately. Before giving such awards, mental psychological evaluation should be done so that in future such persons do not disrespect the nation and its heroes.” Mr Sharma accused Kangana Ranaut of insulting Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Valabhbhai Patel, as well as demeaning the sacrifices of freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad, in her statements. The statements have been labelled “treasonous” by Congress.
Kangana Ranaut’s statements at a television channel-hosted event have been criticised by a number of political groups. She is heard saying on Independence in 1947, “That was not freedom but ‘bheekh’, real freedom came in 2014.” The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, has requested the Mumbai Police to file a complaint against the actor. Preeti Sharma Menon, the head of the AAP, calls what she said “seditious and provocative.” Neelam Gorhe, a Shiv Sena politician, also stated that the actor must face a sedition charge.