Popular Telugu actor and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan on Saturday again targeted the BJP, this time on the issue of patriotism.
In a series of tweets on the issue on Saturday, he said in democracy, differing with ruling party's opinion or policy cannot be labeled as anti-national.
"Even if they want to take such extreme view about their opponents, first let them hear out ..without stifling their voice, then take the needed action. In haste, if they take any action it will only backfire as it did in JNU students sedition case and it was proven that the tape was doctored," he tweeted.
Training guns on BJP for a third consecutive day, he remarked that patriotism cannot be seen through as one party's perspective or ideals
He also criticized the recently introduced rule which made it compulsory for theatres to play national anthem before every show. "A simple evening to spend time with family and friends to watch a movie has been made into a testing ground to prove one's patriotism.
"Why not political parties start their meetings with national anthem, why only cinemas? Why not the highest offices in the country?
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"Those who preach and enforce laws - why don't they lead us by example?? So they are 'sign posts'??"
Pawan, who had campaigned for BJP-TDP alliance in 2014 elections, had trained guns on BJP on the issues of beef ban and suicide of Dalit research scholar Rohit Vemula during last two days.
The actor had floated Jana Sena on the eve of 2014 elections but did not contest the polls and campaigned for BJP-TDP alliance. He fell out with BJP after the later failed to fulfill the poll promise to accord special category status to Andhra Pradesh.
--IANS
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