CHENNAI: Ever since her visit to Jawaharlal Nehru University, Deepika Padukone has been on the receiving end of criticism. Now, a prominent face of BJP, Union Minister Smriti Irani has slammed the actress who believes that the actress's political affiliation has always been towards Congress.
While speaking at an event in Chennai, organized by the Indian Express, Irani said, "I think that anybody who has read the news knew where you are going to stand... knew that you are standing with people who celebrate every time a CRPF jawan is killed. I would rather know what her (Deepika Padukone's) political affiliation is than not know... I can't deny her that right that she will stand next to people who will beat up other girls who don't see eye-to-eye ideologically in private parts. That's her freedom."
Also Read: Envoys From 16 Countries Reach Kashmir, EU Members Opt Out
Quite a few years back in 2011, Deepika in an interview was seen in full support of Rahul Gandhi for the position of Prime Minister of our country. Taking a dig at the same, Smriti Irani said that her political inclination was clear to her and now after standing with the 'Tukde Tukde gang', she has confirmed it. She said, "She made her political affiliation known in 2011 that she supports the Congress party. It's her right (to) stand next to people who say "Bharat ke tukde tukde honge."
BJP's leader Tajinder Pal Bagga tweeted a video of the event where the Union Minister is seen bashing the Chhapaak star. He wrote, "@smritiirani takes down Deepika Padukone for supporting Bharat Tere Tukde Gang."
. @smritiirani takes down Deepika Padukone for supporting Bharat Tere Tukde Gang pic.twitter.com/XzqTmSjeaN
— Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga (@TajinderBagga) January 10, 2020
Smriti is not the first BJP leader to have spoken against the actress for making a visit to JNU and standing in solidarity with the students who were beaten up mercilessly on Sunday evening by some masked goons. BJP's spokesperson Sambit Patra also tweeted saying. "So the original #TukdeTukdeGang will stand in support and solidarity for the photocopy #TukdeTukdeGang. Can anyone enumerate the names of those from Bollywood/Khan-market-gang who are planning to fly to Lahore to extend their well meaning support."
So the original #TukdeTukdeGang will stand in support & solidarity for the photocopy #TukdeTukdeGang
— Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) January 8, 2020
Can anyone enumerate the names of those from Bollywood/Khan-market-gang who are planning to fly to Lahore to extend their well meaning support! https://t.co/ut4MD89jZ2
Deepika went on to the campus of the university to extend a supporting hand for the students on Tuesday. Soon after her visit, many leaders and users condemned her act and also started the trend of #BoycottChhapaak.