BJP accuses actor Naseeruddin Shah of anti-democratic stance

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, accusing him of attempting to weaken democratic processes in the country. The accusation follows Shah's public endorsement of demands raised by students at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI).

Shah had appealed to citizens he described as "right-minded" to support the grievances being articulated by the institute's student body. The actor's intervention in the institutional matter drew swift criticism from the ruling party, which characterized his position as an attack on established democratic structures.

The BJP's statement reflects ongoing tensions between sections of India's cultural and creative communities and the government over institutional autonomy and student representation. SRFTI, located in Kolkata, is a premier government film school that has periodically witnessed student protests regarding academic and administrative matters.

Shah has been a vocal commentator on social and political issues in recent years. His latest remarks have reignited debate over the role of public figures in institutional disputes and the fine line between democratic participation and alleged interference in governance.