Actor Kamal Haasan, who recently laid bare his political ambitions, has spoken of Hindu terror, stirring the hornet’s nest once again. Writing for Tamil magazine Ananda Vikatan, the actor has said that Hindus cannot claim that extremism doesn’t exist among them anymore.
The actor was responding to a question from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who had asked the actor to reflect on efforts by the Hindu right-wing groups to dilute Tamil/Dravidian culture. Elaborating, Mr. Haasan said: “Hindus cannot challenge others to show extremists among them since extremism has spread to that extent even among the Hindus.” Hindus are losing faith in the principle of satyameva jayate, and instead, they are subscribing to ‘might is right’”.
He further said, “In the past, Hindu right-wing groups would not indulge in violence. They would hold a dialogue with opponents. But now they resort to violence,” Mr. Haasan said. These comments are the latest in a series of sharp political statements that he has made in the recent past against the political establishment.
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The actor’s comments have drawn flak from the BJP and RSS members on social media. In particular, BJP leader Subramaniam Swamy said: “Kamal Haasan is an actor and he is simply reading out the script written by Communists.” He further said, “He will be used by the Communists and will be dumped once his purpose his served. The people of Tamil Nadu will laugh him off.”
Recently, Mr. Haasan visited the Ennore Creek to see the extent of pollution in the Kosathalaiyar river allegedly due to the operations of the Vallur Thermal Power Plant. His initiative and subsequent statement calling on the State government to prevent further pollution of the river was welcomed by VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan and BJP MP Pon. Radhakrishnan.