Prithviraj Sukumaran, the Malayalam actor who supported the #Savelakshadweep campaign was criticised by BJP politicians on right-wing Malayalam news outlet Janam TV.
Celebrities and politicians like director Priyadarshan, actor Aju Varghese, Congress leaders Ramesh Chennithala, TN Prathapan took to social media to extend their solidarity to Prithviraj and condemned the personal attack by the right-wing organisation.
On May 24, Prithviraj expressed solidarity on his social media handle with the people of Lakshadweep who have been protesting against the new reforms established by the island’s Administrator Praful Patel that are in direct violation of their rights.
People of Lakshadweep have condemned Patel’s reforms such as changes in land acquisition policy as mentioned in the LDAR, implementation of the beef ban and Goonda Act, removal of non-vegetarian food menu in school canteens and many more.
In the post, he wrote, “I strongly believe that any law, reform or amendment should never be for the land, but the people of the land. It’s never the geographical or political boundary that makes a country, state or union territory but the people who live there. How does disrupting the way of life of a centuries-old peaceful settlement become an acceptable means of progress? How will threatening the balance of a very delicate island ecosystem with no regard for the potential consequences pave the way for sustainable development?”
Soon after the actor’s post was widely shared on social media, Janam TV published an article titled ‘Prithviraj tears up again for Jihadis’, which personally attacked Prithviraj and his late father Sukumaran.
However, the article was soon pulled down from the channel’s social media handle and website. According to a report by The News Minute, an excerpt of the article read, “While Prithviraj barks and jumps with anti-national forces, if anyone gets reminded about the good actor Sukumaran [Prithviraj’s father], it will be pithirsmarana [a slanderous ambiguous remark]. We request Prithviraj not to give a chance to others [to say such things about him]. Not just for Prithviraj, whoever cries out and not only Lakshadweep – Jihadis will get no parts of the country.”
Devan Srinivasan, actor and BJP leader, on his Facebook page mentioned that that Prithviraj in one of his interviews had spoken about the potential of tourism in Lakshadweep. Devan noted that Prithviraj said that there was a need for a socio-political resurrection in Lakshadweep.
“In fact, these words of Prathviraj may be one of the reasons that inspired the Central government to shape the idea of ‘Save Lakshdweep’. We are indebted to him,” Devan wrote.
Speaking to media persons in Kerala, AP Abdullakutty, BJP national vice president of Kerala, accused the actor of spreading fake propaganda without learning what is actually happening on the island.
Slamming the derogatory remarks against Prithviraj, Priyadarshan wrote on Facebook, “Every human living in a society may have his own opinions and stand on all the problems happening around him. The health of a democratic society is the freedom to express such opinions. What actor Prithviraj said about the issues happening in Lakshadeep now is his opinion and stand. I believe he also has the freedom to say it, ofcourse there are those who disagree with that opinion, and we have the freedom to disagree. But reacting to it in an uncivilised way means it is unacceptable to whoever does it. Civilisation is a culture, I am with that culture. I also dismiss the uncivilised response against Prithviraj like everyone with culture and democratic sense. What happened that should have never happened.”
Jude Anthany Joseph said on Facebook, “Prithviraj is a person who has always openly expressed his stand in a very decent manner. The jealous personality who lived his dreams one by one. The man who replied years ago with movies without paying for mob attacks must be laughing at all these cyber attacks happening now. Society is just for those who have stands.”
Ramesh Chennithala, a senior Congress leader, wrote in a social media post, “The organised attack by Sangh Parivar on Prithviraj is deplorable. As any citizen of our nation, he too has the right to express his views. His unperturbed stand for the people of Lakshwadeep is highly appreciated.”
The organised attack by sangh parivar on actor @PrithviOfficial is deplorable. As any citizen of our nation he too has the right to express his views.
His unperturbed stand for the people of Lakshwadeep is highly appreciated.#WithLakshadweep pic.twitter.com/dy78YvMn0D— Ramesh Chennithala (@chennithala) May 27, 2021
TN Prathapan, Congress MP, said in a social media post, “Sanghis are afraid of those who have a stand.”
