Nitish Kumar Says, “These Statements Deserve Zero Importance.” On Kangana’s Azadi Statement

Patna : Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, says that actress Kangana Ranaut’s statement should be ignored as it deserves zero importance. Kangana’s statement on India’s Independence in 1947 was a ‘bheek’ or handout. Further minister also added that uch statements are to be made fun of.

“How can anyone publish this. What does it mean? Should we even notice it. Should we even pay attention to it? Who doesn’t know when we got Independence. These statements deserve zero importance. In fact it should be made fun of. They are deliberately made to garner publicity. I do not pay attention to such people. These things don’t register with me,” said the Chief Minister.

The actor, in a recent television interview, remarked that India got its freedom in 2014 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power and what it got in 1947 was a “bheek” or handout.

Ms Ranaut, the 34-year-old who stands banned on microblogging platform Twitter over her incendiary right-wing commentary, has spawned many a controversy in the past.

Times Now, which aired the interview, distanced itself from the controversy.

“#KanganaRanaut may think India got Independence in 2014 but this cannot be endorsed by any true Indian. This is an insult to millions of freedom fighters who gave up their lives so that present generations can live a life of self-respect & dignity as free citizens of a democracy,” the channel said on Twitter on Friday.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi lashed out at actor Kangana Ranaut for her statement on independence in ‘bheekh’ and the government for not taking action against her. In a video circulating online, Owaisi can be heard addressing a gathering in Aligarh, saying: “A mohtarma [madam] has received the highest civilian award. In an interview, she said India got Independence in 2014. Had a Muslim said what she said, UAPA would have been slapped on him. He would have been sent to jail after being shot in the knee.”

In a 24-second clip shared widely, Ranaut says India’s Independence in 1947 was not freedom but “bheek” (alms). “And we got real freedom in 2014,” she said at an event organised by a news channel with some people in the audience heard clapping.

After a massive backlash over her comments, Kangana Ranaut took to Instagram to share her thoughts about the controversial statements on India’s Independence. She said that she would return her Padma Shri award if anyone proves that she disrespected martyrs and freedom fighters in her interview.

Owaisi said any Muslim would have been labelled a ‘traitor’. “She is a queen and you are the king. Hence, you won’t do anything,” he said, taking a dig at the Queen actor and the government.

“Baba had threatened to charge people with sedition if anyone dared to comment on the India-Pakistan (T20 World Cup) match and sent to jail,” he added, referring to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s warning to those celebrating Pakistan’s win against India in the game on October 24. He then sought to know from the UP CM and Prime Minister Narendra Modi if Kangana Ranaut would be charged with sedition. “Is sedition only for Muslims?” Owaisi asked.