'Opposes BJP by lineage': BJP MLA's swipe at Naseeruddin Shah over SRFTI row
BJP MLA Ritesh Tiwari criticized actor Naseeruddin Shah for supporting protesting students at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute. The dispute involves allegations of political bias and government retaliation against students, which Shah claims is part of a broader pattern of targeting dissenters.
Why it matters
The incident reflects the ongoing polarization in Indian public discourse regarding academic freedom, political influence on campuses, and the role of public figures in political debates.
NEW DELHI: BJP MLA Ritesh Tiwari on Saturday hit out at veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah over his support for protesting students at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata."Naseeruddin Shah is, by lineage, an opponent of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Sangh. I also know his elder brother. His daughter is married in Kolkata; she is the daughter-in-law of a CPI(M) leader and has even contested elections. When ministers from West Bengal and the Mayor of Kolkata were raising the slogan of Dawat-e-Islam, why was Naseeruddin silent?... These are people who dance to the tune of foreign money, and the people of this country are watching," Tiwari said.His remarks came after the veteran actor had criticised the BJP-led government in West Bengal over the reported action against students protesting at the institute.
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