Veteran actor Gajendra Chauhan has slammed Naseeruddin Shah for his recent remarks against the central government, in which he called himself a ‘dimagi naxal’. In his strongly worded response, Gajendra challenged Naseeruddin to contest elections against him and demanded that legal action be initiated against him. The criticism comes after Naseeruddin uploaded a video on Facebook, extending his support to students protesting at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI).
Gajendra Chauhan Slams Naseeruddin Shah
Gajendra Chauhan, while speaking to ANI, described himself as a patriot and argued that Naseeruddin Shah should enter electoral politics if he wished to oppose the government. “If you are so fond of opposing the government, then why don’t you contest the elections? Contest the elections,” he said.
The Mahabharat actor further issued a direct electoral challenge to Naseeruddin, declaring that he would contest against him. “I challenge you: wherever you contest the election, I will contest against you, and I will defeat you… This country gave you so much respect as an artist, so much honour, and it’s all ruined… I am a worker of the BJP. I will also request the party that if Naseeruddin Shah contests from anywhere, I should be fielded against him,” Gajendra added.
He also expressed disappointment over Naseeruddin’s political commentary, arguing that the actor’s public statements had affected the respect he had earned through his work in cinema. “This country gave you so much respect as an artist, so much honour, and it’s all ruined.”
Further, demanding legal action against Naseeruddin, Gajendra said, “If he calls himself an urban naxal, I think legal action should be initiated. He should be punished as per the law.”
What Did Naseeruddin Shah Say?
In a video shared on Facebook, questioned the BJP-led central government’s response to student demonstrations and accused it of trying to suppress dissent. “I say this with pride, I am Dimagi Naxal,” he said.
Naseeruddin Shah
Criticising the government’s actions, Naseeruddin alleged that they threatened young people’s confidence, the education system, and democracy. “What else will you do to break the courage of the youth of our country, to destroy the education system, and to put our democracy in danger?” he asked.
Referring to developments at JNU, SRFTI, and Jamia Millia Islamia, Naseeruddin said the treatment of students would be remembered. He also maintained that the courage of young people would remain unbroken and that the education system and democracy would endure.