BJP Leader Declares Salman Khan More Hindu Than Uddhav Thackeray at RSS Event

A political controversy has erupted following Bollywood Actor Salman Khan’s attendance at a recent Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) event led by Chief Mohan Bhagwat. The development has triggered sharp reactions from leaders across party lines in Maharashtra. BJP leader and Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane used the opportunity to criticise Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray. The remarks have added fresh fuel to the ongoing political rivalry in the state. The issue continues to draw attention from both political and film circles.

Nitesh Rane said that Salman Khan was “more of a Hindu than Uddhav”, praising the actor for having the courage to attend an RSS programme. His statement was seen as a direct attack on the Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership. The comments quickly sparked backlash from opposition leaders. The controversy has since expanded beyond the actor’s presence at the event. It has evolved into a broader political debate about symbolism and public positioning.

Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi alleged that Salman Khan may have attended the event under “government pressure”. He suggested that as a public figure, the actor might have felt compelled to comply with expectations from the ruling establishment. Azmi questioned whether Khan would have had the freedom to refuse such an invitation. The remarks intensified speculation surrounding the circumstances of the actor’s attendance. However, no evidence has been presented to substantiate claims of coercion.

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Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde dismissed the controversy, defending Salman Khan’s right to attend any public event. He stated that Khan is an Indian citizen who respects Indian culture and traditions, including installing Lord Ganesha at his home. Shinde urged critics not to politicise the actor’s presence at a Mumbai-based programme. He emphasised that attending such an event should not be viewed through a political lens. His remarks aimed to de-escalate the growing political friction.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut questioned whether the invitation extended to Salman Khan was based on conviction or compulsion. He suggested that the actor’s presence may have been intended to signal broader outreach. In contrast, Bengali actor and BJP leader Rupali Ganguly, who also attended the event, firmly rejected claims of coercion. She described the suggestions as baseless and said attendees were present willingly. The debate continues as political parties trade accusations over what was meant to be a centenary address by Mohan Bhagwat, during which he advocated a voluntary and self-reliant ‘swadeshi’ economic model.

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