Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday urged his Haryana counterpart Manohar Lal Khattar to take strict action against those holding out threats against Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone for acting in the yet-to-be released controversial film Padmavati.
“I condemn the culture of intolerance and hate perpetuated by BJP,” Siddramaiah said in a tweet on Monday. He also said Karnataka stood with Deepika Padukone, “a globally renowned artist from our state”.
I condemn the culture of intolerance & hate perpetuated by @BJP4India .
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) November 20, 2017
Karnataka stands with @deepikapadukone .She is a globally renowned artist from our state.
I call upon the CM of Haryana @mlkhattar to take strict action against those holding out threats against her. https://t.co/d8rahml5MZ
The chief minister expressed outrage on Twitter after one of his cabinet colleagues and energy minister D. K. Shivakumar took to social media to condemn the threats to Padukone.
"It is condemnable that a BJP office bearer is placing a bounty of Rs 10 crore on Deepika Padukone, who is from our state and the daughter of one of India's most respected sportsman," said Shivakumar, evoking Kannada sentiment.
The minister who is still smarting from the marathon IT raids, which the Congress feels was politically motivated, charged that it reflected "BJP's culture" and the way they show respect towards women. He demanded immediate action against the BJP man who issued threats.
"I will write to Karnataka chief minister to provide protection to Deepika Padukone. BJP must apologise and make sure intimidation doesn't happen," said Shivakumar, who appealed to all Indians, especially women and artistes to speak in one voice against such elements and uphold the freedom guaranteed by the Constitution.
It is condemnable that a BJP office bearer is placing a bounty of Rs. 10 crore on @deepikapadukone, who is from our state & the daughter of one of India's most respected sportsman.
— DK Shivakumar (@withDKS) November 20, 2017
Is this BJP's culture & the way they show respect towards women? Immediate action should be taken.
I will write to @CMofKarnataka to offer protection to @deepikapadukone. BJP must apologize & make sure intimidation doesn't happen.
— DK Shivakumar (@withDKS) November 20, 2017
I appeal to all Indians, especially women & artists to speak in one voice against such elements & uphold our constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.
"If anyone has objections, they must approach the CBFC. What gives these people the right to threaten artists? These sort of threats, especially towards women, are yet another sign of growing intolerance and bigotry in the country," alleged the minister.
Recently, Karnataka home minister R. Ramalinga Reddy, too, came in support of the film Padmavati and clarified the state would allow its release provided it gets a clearance from the censor board.
