Prakash Raj, who recently criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his failure to do anything about the killing of Gauri Lankesh, has declared that he is not anti-Modi. The actor, subject to a barrage of abusive comments following his statements, said in an interview with The Hindu:
“I’m not anti-Modi. He is my Prime Minister chosen by a majority. I don’t consider Mr Modi as the leader of a political party. He now represents the country and every citizen. He is the head of a secular nation. I have differences with Mr Modi on certain issues. I’m paying the price for being honest and democratic enough to express them. I’m not a coward. I won’t run away from the responsibility that society has put on my shoulders.”
Raj said that he is responsible for his comments, and that he is willing to speak the truth whenever and wherever it is necessary. The actor was severely trolled on social media for his stand.
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“The question haunting me is why and how a situation of silencing dissent has emerged in our society. Social media is a double-edged sword. In a way, it has democratised the system. The facelessness it allows is both good and bad.”
Prakash Raj dismissed reports that his comments meant that he was trying to enter politics.
“My intentions are being misread. If I want to enter politics, I will come straight to you and announce my intention. It’s time people grow up and stop reading between the lines of the statements made by sensitive and socially responsible actors.”