Some prominent celebrities are raising their voice against the government’s treatment of protesters involved in demonstrations organised by the Cockroach Janta Party, demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. The organisation has made multiple demands, including the Commissioner’s resignation over alleged irregularities regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The latest to defend their right to peaceful protest and speak about democracy is actor Huma Qureshi. In her statement, the actor wrote, “We are the world's largest democracy. The right to peaceful protest and the demand for accountability are fundamental democratic rights, not favours granted by those in power. Peaceful dissent is not a crime. Asking questions is not a crime. Demanding accountability is not a crime. A democracy must allow its citizens to raise their voices without fear of intimidation or harassment. Suppressing peaceful protest undermines the very values we claim to uphold.”
She added, “Let me be clear: I stand with no political party or individual. I stand with citizens demanding accountability, with peaceful protesters, and with every Indian exercising their democratic right to dissent. My love for this country is precisely why I cannot remain silent. I know speaking up may invite abuse, personal attacks, scrutiny of my finances, or professional consequences. So be it. I have nothing to hide, nothing to apologise for, and no need to prove my patriotism.”
There is a tendency among certain political commentators to brand those who raise such opinions as ‘anti-nationals’. Preempting such outrage, Huma Qureshi added, “Patriotism is not blind silence. Democracy is not blind obedience. And dissent is not anti-national. The world is watching. We must do better. Jai Hind.”
On the work, Huma was most recently seen in Baby Do Die Do, which has arrived on Netflix after its recent theatrical run.