Amid Padmavati row, VP Naidu says violent threats not acceptable in democracy

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu indirectly referring to Karni Sena and BJP leader’s threats over Padmavati row said on Saturday that “violent threats” and announcing rewards for physical harm was not acceptable in a democracy.

Not directly referring to the controversy, but films and art in general, he warned against undermining the rule of law in the country.

“This is not acceptable in a democracy. You have the right to protest in a democratic manner, go to the appropriate authorities...you cannot physically obstruct and can’t give violent threats. Let us not undermine the rule of law,” he said.

Naidu was speaking at a literary festival in New Delhi where he said that there is now a new problem over some films where people feel that they have hurt the sentiments of some religions or communities and that has led to protests.

Naidu remarks came at a time when some BJP leaders and the Karni Sena, a right wing organisation of country's warrior caste Rajputs are opposing the release of Padmavati and have openly threatened to cause terrible harm to the star cast and director of the movie.

Earlier, a senior BJP leader Suraj Pal Amu offered Rs. 10 crore to anyone who beheads Deepika Padukone for playing the role of queen Padmavati in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period drama.

The movie is based on a legendry Rajput queen Padmavati, who, some believe was a ‘fictional character’ but considered motherly figure by the community.

They are alleging the movie 'Padmavati' which was slated to release on December 1 (which is highly unlikely after Censor board sent the film back to makers), demeans their queen and distorts historic facts.

His remarks, however, assume significance as they come amid protests by many groups against Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed Padmavati, alleging that the movie distorts history.

(With PTI Inputs)