SP Leader Abu Azmi Alleges Salman Khan Attended RSS Anniversary Under Government Pressure
Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi launched a sharp political attack on Bollywood superstar Salman Khan on Tuesday, suggesting the actor may have attended the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's 100th anniversary celebrations under pressure from the ruling establishment. The SP MLA claimed Khan lacked the courage to refuse an invitation sent by those in power, igniting a fresh political controversy.
Azmi Questions Khan's Freedom to Decline
Speaking to reporters, Abu Azmi elaborated on his criticism of Salman Khan's presence at the RSS event. "I understand that Salman Khan is an actor, and he has to live with respect in the country," Azmi stated. "If people on the ruling side say something, I don't think Salman Khan has the courage to refuse. He must have gone there under government pressure."
The SP leader's remarks directly implied possible coercion behind the actor's appearance at the two-day lecture series titled "100 Years of Sangh Journey: New Horizons" held in Mumbai on Saturday. Azmi suggested that as a public figure, Khan may not have enjoyed the freedom to decline an invitation associated with the current power structure.
Maharashtra Leaders Defend Salman Khan's Right to Attend
In response to the growing controversy, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde came to Salman Khan's defense, urging political leaders not to politicize the matter. Shinde dismissed the criticism as unnecessary and emphasized the actor's rights as an Indian citizen.
"Whether Salman Khan went to an RSS programme or not, why should this even be questioned?" Shinde asked reporters. "Salman Khan is an Indian citizen. He follows Indian culture — Ganpati comes to his house, and his entire family believes in these traditions. I don't think there is anything wrong with this. In fact, it is absolutely right."
The Deputy Chief Minister added that unnecessary politics should not be manufactured from what he considered a non-issue, highlighting Khan's documented participation in Hindu cultural practices as evidence of his genuine engagement with Indian traditions.
Political Crossfire Intensifies
Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane also entered the fray, offering strong support for Salman Khan while taking aim at political opponents. Rane made a provocative comparison during his comments to the media.
"Salman Khan is more of a Hindu than Uddhav Thackeray," Rane claimed, referring to the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief. "He had the courage to attend the RSS program."
Rane's remarks came as he defended the RSS event against criticism from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, creating a multi-layered political debate that has drawn reactions from leaders across party lines.
Background of the Controversy
The political storm erupted after Salman Khan attended the RSS Mumbai Vyakhyanmala event on Saturday, which was part of celebrations marking the organization's centenary. The actor's presence at what is traditionally viewed as a right-wing Hindu nationalist gathering has sparked intense discussion about:
- The intersection of Bollywood and politics
- Celebrity autonomy versus political pressure
- Cultural identity in contemporary India
- Political polarization around religious and cultural events
While Abu Azmi framed Khan's attendance as potentially coerced, Maharashtra's ruling leaders have positioned it as an expression of individual freedom and cultural affiliation. The debate reflects broader tensions in Indian politics where celebrity actions are increasingly scrutinized through partisan lenses.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it highlights how cultural events in India can quickly transform into political battlegrounds, with public figures like Salman Khan finding themselves at the center of ideological conflicts that extend far beyond the entertainment industry.
