Javed Akhtar is renowned for his command over his words, in fact he’s made a successful career out of it. But this time around, it seems like his words have landed him in a major soup.  

Talking about rising instances of intolerance in the country during an interaction with NDTV, prominent poet and political activist, Javed Akhtar landed himself in a sticky situation. Drawing comparisons between the Taliban and RSS, the former member of Parliament opened himself up to the public’s ire, "Just like the Taliban want an Islamic State, there are those who want a Hindu Rashtra. These people are of the same mindset -- be it Muslim, Christian, Jews or Hindus.” He continued, "Of course, the Taliban is barbaric, and their actions are reprehensible, but those supporting the RSS, VHP and Bajrang Dal are all the same.”

He did clarify that he trusts the average Indian and their basic sensibilities, “The majority of this nation is extremely decent and tolerant. That must be respected. India will never become a Talibani country."

His comments have led to people on the internet slamming the prominent screenwriter. 

Literally a guide on how to score a self-goal #JavedAkhtar pic.twitter.com/43VU2t9cmt

— Dr Prerna Bakshi (@bprerna) September 5, 2021

If RSS had same ideology that Taliban having. #javedakhtar would have been living in some foreign countries as refugees.

— Vishal सिंह (@star_vishal) September 4, 2021

#javedakhtar Shame on you to destroy piece between Indian communities and targetting Hindu. Indians don't want people like you but APJ Abdul kalam who is a role model.

— Prasad (@prasadkumbhojka) September 4, 2021

And yes sir, if you still feel the same I think you should find the shift in the neighborhoods permanently. They are too peaceful & kind people, because kind & polite people like u can't live in harsh & terroristic environments like in India. #JavedAkhtar

— Rahul B. (@rbamdale19) September 5, 2021

Legal advisor to the BJP’s Maharashtra unit, Ashutosh J. Dubey tweeted about the police complaint filed by him against Javed Akhtar, “I have filed the complaint against #JavedAkhtar with the @MumbaiPolice for intentionally outranging to the RSS, VHP, and Bajrang Dal. Javed Akhtar called RSS, VHP, and Bajrang Dal supporters Talibani's! A complaint has been lodged with Javed Akhtar's residential police station.”

I have filed the complaint against #JavedAkhtar with the @MumbaiPolice for intentionally outranging to the RSS, VHP, and Bajrang Dal.

Javed Akhtar called RSS, VHP, and Bajrang Dal supporters Talibani's!

A complaint has been lodged with Javed Akhtar's residential police station. pic.twitter.com/2fTbhICJa7

— ADV. ASHUTOSH J. DUBEY (@AdvAshutoshDube) September 4, 2021

BJP MLA Ram Kadam, hurt by these comparisons, launched a scathing response to the eminent poet’s comments, "Before making these remarks, he should have thought that people with the same ideology are running the government now and are fulfilling raj dharma. If their ideology was Talibani, would he have been able to make these remarks? This shows how hollow his statements are." 

#संघ तथा #विश्वहिंदूपरिषद के करोडों कार्यकर्ताओ की, जब तक हाथ जोड़कर #जावेदअख्तर माफी नही मांगते. तब तक उनकी तथा उनके परिवार की कोई भी #फिल्म इस #माभारती के भूमि पर नहीं चलेगी. pic.twitter.com/ahWgVQWuvH

— Ram Kadam - राम कदम (@ramkadam) September 4, 2021

Ram Kadam demanded an apology from Javed Akhtar for comparing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh to the Taliban, threatening to disrupt screenings of films associated with the screenwriter and political activist. 

Kadam, who’s also the spokesperson for the party responded with a warning, "We will not allow any of his films to run in this land of Ma Bharti till he apologises with folded hands to the functionaries of the Sangh who have dedicated their lives to the nation," 

The offended MLA will also be filing a police complaint against Javed Akhtar for his allegedly hurtful comments. However, Ram Kadam has been caught offside in the past over his comments as well. 

Back in 2018, he was accused of stirring up an audience of impressionable young men, by telling them that if any girl refused to marry them, he would abduct the girls and hand them over to the boys to marry. He would later go on to express regret over the incident, but an apology over the issue is still to be found. 

In 2016, at a time when India was reeling from the effects of the poorly implemented demonetisation, BJP MLA Ram Kadam deemed it appropriate to gift his son a swanky new Mercedes . Back in 2013, Ram Kadam was also accused of allegedly attacking civil servants including rationing officers and civic engineers who took down his illegal hoardings. 

Although some have leapt to his defence as well.

Right wingers demanding apology for speaking the truth from Javed Akhtar #JavedAkhtar pic.twitter.com/AWWEgJqDFQ

— Constitutional Rakshak (@consti_rakshak) September 5, 2021

Read 2 news on same day. Can someone please make some sense out of it and explain it to me.
Or only Kangana is given special permission to call Mumbai POK?#JavedAkhtar #Democracy @waglenikhil pic.twitter.com/UTERkgFaE7

— ankur deokar (@ankurdeokar) September 5, 2021

What do you think? Is this a case of overreaction or is freedom of speech seriously being harmed? Do let us know in the comments below.

View the full article