From Pakistan PM Imran Khan, Anupam Kher to Baba Ramdev: Who said what on Naseeruddin Shah's comments

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan intervened into the controversy over Naseeruddin Shah’s remarks on Bulanshahr violence, comparing them to what Mohammad Ali Jinnah had once said.

While speaking at a public function in Lahore, Imran Khan drew a parallel between Naseeruddin Shah’s remarks about feeling scared for his children because of the impunity of lawless mobs in India and what Jinnah had once said about not wanting to live in an India where Muslims would not be equal citizens.

In a sharp retort to him, the 'Dirty Picture' actor told The Sunday Express, “I think Mr Khan should be walking the talk in his own country instead of commenting on issues that don’t concern him. We have been a democracy for 70 years and we know how to look after ourselves.”

Over actor Naseeruddin Shah's recent remark on Bulandshahr violence, his colleague Anupam Kher asked, "How much more freedom do you need in a country?" 

While speaking to ANI, Anupam said, "There is so much freedom in the country that you can abuse the army, badmouth the air chief and pelt stones at the soldiers. How much more freedom do you need in a country?"

Anupam Kher also stated that what Naseeruddin Shah said was his personal view and not the truth

Naseeruddin Shah’s remarks caused a fury with some groups agitating outside the venue of Ajmer Literature Festival, where the actor was supposed to deliver the keynote address.

Raas Bihari Gaur, the coordinator of the festival, said, “Shah was scheduled to inaugurate the festival but he did not come because of protests by some locals.”

The actor was also scheduled to launch his book at the opening session, but this too was canceled.

Meanwhile, stating what had happened as "unfortunate", Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said, “It is very unfortunate that organiser of Ajmer Literature Fest asks Mr #NaseeruddinShah to avoid his inaugural appearance amidst some news of protest. Administration was fully prepared to hold festival peacefully. Our govt respects all rights & liberties of each & every citizen.”

Yoga guru Ramdev said that Naseeruddin Shah's remarks on mob violence amounted to degrading the country's pride. "Naseeruddin Shah has earned his popularity due to love of common people. I have not seen religious intolerance. I, of course, see political intolerance. I think accusing India of religious intolerance is equal to degrading country's pride," he said.

"Labelling one's own country with religious intolerance is akin to ungratefulness, disrespect and treason," he added

Unhappy with Naseeruddin Shah's remarks, Uttar Pradesh Navnirman Sena chief Amit Jani has booked a one-way ticket to Pakistan for the actor. The Times of India has reported that Jani has bought a ticket for August 14, which is Pakistan's Independence Day