Violent threats not acceptable in democracy: Venkaiah Naidu


New Delhi, Nov 25 (PTI): Amid the Padmavati row, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said today that giving violent threats and announcing rewards for physical harm was not acceptable in a democracy.

Not directly referring to the controversy, but films and art in general, he warned against undermining the rule of law in the country.

Naidu, at a literary festival here, said there is now a new problem over some films where people feel that they have hurt the sentiments of some religions or communities and that has led to protests.

He said while protesting, some people go overboard and announce rewards.

"Whether these fellows have that much money or not, I doubt. Everyone is announcing Rs one crore reward. Is it so easy to have Rs one crore?

"This is not acceptable in a democracy. You have the right to protest in a democratic manner, go to the appropriate authorities...you cannot physically obstruct and can't give violent threats. Let us not undermine the rule of law," he said.

Stressing that he was not talking about a particular film but in general, Naidu read out names of previously banned films like Haram Hawa, Kissa Kursi Ka and Aandhi.

His remarks, however, assume significance as they come amid protests by many groups against Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed Padmavati, alleging that the movie distorts history.

Historians are divided on whether Rani Padmavati even existed.

Some leaders and groups have also reportedly announced a bounty for beheading Bhansali and the female lead Deepika Padukone.

"You have no right to take laws into your own hands. At the same time, you don't have the right to hurt the sentiments of others", Naidu said.

The vice president also warned against selective condemnation and said it was wrong to link it to religion.

He said there was a difference between religion and culture. While religion was a way of worship, culture was a way of life, he said.

  

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Comment on this article

  • SJM, Mangalore

    Sat, Nov 25 2017

    Just because of VP position he is talking about democracy otherwise.......
    If you have really power muscles arrest that BJP leader and take action asap.

    DisAgree Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Valerian Dsouza, Udupi/Mumbai

    Sat, Nov 25 2017

    Vice President Venkaiah Naidu at least spoken against giving violent threats and announcing rewards on Padmavati row! Should appreciate!
    Of course Govt stand is very late, but better late than never!
    Strangely highest constitutional authority, our very vocal P.M., quick to respond in many cases, despite several threats and rewards to killers, not yet warned the violent protestors and threateners and reward givers!
    Are they making DIGITAL payment of rewards? NO INCOME TAX RAID?
    Is it the same style with all citizens irrespective of caste and creed?
    Is that silence to be taken as support to break the law of the land ?
    Are they serious to uphold the rule of law?

    DisAgree [1] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Syed Mohiudin, Iruvail/Riyadh

    Sat, Nov 25 2017

    your statements on goondas like mother who shouting for children while feeding.

    DisAgree Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Henry Mathias, Kinnigoli

    Sat, Nov 25 2017

    "Not directly referring to the controversy " - Why Is he scared to refer directly

    DisAgree [1] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Peter, KSA

    Sat, Nov 25 2017

    Do we have a Vice president as well ? We never heard of him for several months.

    DisAgree Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • David Pais, Mangalore, Mangalore

    Sat, Nov 25 2017

    Venkaiah Naidu, enough of bhaashans. actio on da ground is needed. enough of bla,bla,bla,....

    DisAgree Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Syed Mohiudin, Iruvail/Riyadh

    Sat, Nov 25 2017

    After several days you people came to know that it is offence????

    DisAgree Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Sat, Nov 25 2017

    Walk the talk & If you have the guts arrest them ...

    DisAgree Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Clifford, Mangalore

    Sat, Nov 25 2017

    Otherwise replace the bearings.....????

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse


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