Actor Prakash Raj spoke out against the BJP amidst the Cockroach Janata Party's protest against the ruling government where it asks for the resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan following NEET paper leaks. Speaking to reporters, Prakash said that many are against him because he often criticises the BJP.
"Questioning a political party is not questioning Hindu Dharma. Narendra Modi ji is an elected representative from Varanasi. His party has the majority of representatives. They have elected him as a Prime Minister. Questioning the Prime Minister is not questioning Hindutva," Prakash Raj said.
The actor also suggested that he would question the government for decisions he finds contentious, such as the PM's lack of visit to conflict-ridden Manipur and the 'abuse' of female wrestlers in India. He said that if the media is not questioning these decisions, he would do so on the public's behalf.
"Why are you tainting me as an anti-Hindu? I have nothing to do with Hinduism," Prakash told the media.
He also called out the use of police force to stop the CJP protest against the flaws in the education system in India. "What are they questioning? Paper leaks. There are students who have died. You call them anti-nationals and cockroaches just because they question our future is in danger," the actor opined.
Prakash also accused the BJP of taking 'electoral bonds' from cow meat sellers, going against the party's view of holding cow sacred. Calling out the apparent 'hypocrisy," the actor added, "You talk about cow slaughter. But you take electoral bonds from the people who sell cow meat. Isn't that duality?"
Prakash said that the BJP does not discuss 'cow politics' in places such as Mizoram, Manipur and Kerala because the party's representatives "openly say that" they consume beef in these places. Questioning the party's policy, the actor rhetorically said that the BJP's role is to ensure proper governance and not become the 'saviours of Hindutva'. He said, "You are here to govern. We ask questions. So stop this nonsense."
Prakash added that he would not remain silent even if the party continues to give him names, such as 'anti-Hindutva' or 'anti-national'.
On the work front, Prakash Raj's upcoming films include Jana Nayagan, co-starring Vijay.