Congress, BJP lock horns over Karan Johar’s ‘intolerance’ remark

New Delhi : Taking potshots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar’s remark that freedom of expression in India ‘is the biggest joke’, Congress leader Manish Tewari on Friday said the ruling dispensation at the Centre is against all intellectuals, liberal and right thinking people.
“This is being said constantly and continuously that this government is against intellectuals. This government is against all those who want to carry forward a liberal and comprehensive approach. Except for Anupam Kher, most artists, producers and writers etc are speaking in the same tone,” he told ANI here. Minister of State for Minority Affairs and BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi downplayed Johar’s remark, saying those questioning tolerance are ignorant and have no knowledge of Indian culture.”Whoever is questiong the tolerance of Indians does not have any knowledge of Indian culture, they are ignorant,” he said. Addressing a gathering at the Jaipur Literature Fest in Rajasthan, Johar sparked off a controversy by saying, “Revelation in today’s time can land you in jail. We are in a tough country to speak about your personal life. I feel really sad about it because being a public figure, you are expected to kind of helm a certain movement, talk about freedom of expression which is a biggest joke in today’s world, democracy is again the biggest joke I think.””How are we democratic? How is there freedom of expression? I am a film maker and I feel bound on every level – be it on celluloid or on print. I feel there is always some kind of legal notice awaiting me everywhere I go. Everywhere I go I am scared. Like I am saying something in Jaipur I feel scared wondering who will file case by time I return home,” he added.The filmmaker’s assertion comes days after actor Aamir Khan’s statement on intolerance.The actor had said that his wife Kiran Rao felt scared for family security in India and had also suggested him to leave the country.