City
Epaper

Gul Panag on CAA : Protesters not politically motivated but politically aware

By IANS | Updated: December 24, 2019 15:00 IST

Actress-model and former politician Gul Panag condemns violence while commenting on the nationwide protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), but points out that the protesters are politically aware and their action is a mark of participation in the process of democracy, just as casting votes is.

Open in App

"During the election, we encourage citizens to cast their vote because that is their democratic right. Protesting peacefully against the CAA is also their democratic right. Curbing the voice of the non-violent protestors is wrong. So, it is wrong to tag that protesters are 'politically motivated' They are politically aware citizen with questions, and they are actively participating in democracy," Gul told .

While thousands of citizens are protesting in different cities against the CAA, reports have emerged of police brutality against many of them. Gul feels as long as the protests are peaceful, no one should stop them.

"It is the fundamental right of every citizen in a democracy to protest please note peacefully. I oppose damaging public property, I oppose those who attacked duty officers in uniforms or pelted stones," she said.

She added: "Constitution of India Article 14 mentions two important elements -– 'equal protection of laws' and 'equality before the law'. Please read and emphasis on these two simple but important factors. Of course, the judiciary will decide if the CAA is constitutional or not in January. Even if the judiciary says that the act is not violating the Constitution, the citizens' right to protest still remains."

The actress had contested from Chandigarh as a candidate for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, but she lost to Kirron Kher, who represented Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Does she suppoort the BJP's decision to implement the CAA? " It has to be inclusive, because in politics it is easier to uphold something that includes everyone. The politics of exclusion is always tougher while maintaining the secular image of India, and the present government is discovering that," replied Gul.

On the work front, Gul's latest web series "Rangbaaz Phirse" recently started streaming on Zee5 Originals. She was earlier seen in the Amazon Prime show "The Family Man", and ZEE5 original 'Raangbaaz Phir Se'.

This year, she also had a cameo in "Student Of The Year 2" and a pivotal role in "Bypass Road".

(Arundhuti Banerjee can be contacted at arundhuti.b@.in)

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: CAAAam Aadmi PartyBharatiya Janata Partybjp
Open in App

Related Stories

NationalVijay Kumar Malhotra Passes Away at 93: PM Modi Condoles Demise of Veteran Delhi BJP Leader

MumbaiMumbai: FIR Filed Over Maharashtra Congress’ Social Media Post Allegedly Inciting Violence

NationalVijay Kumar Malhotra Passes Away at 93: Senior BJP Leader Dies at AIIMS-Delhi

MaharashtraAhilyanagar Violence: Where BJP Cannot Run the Government, They Raise Religious Issues, Says Aaditya Thackeray

MaharashtraBJP Has Own Process of Electing Party President, Says Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Entertainment Realted Stories

EntertainmentBobby Deol performs Ravan Dahan at Lav Kush Ramlila in Delhi

EntertainmentCheck out Alia Bhatt's adorable birthday gift for Raha's 18th birthday

EntertainmentFrom vibrant melas to Ravana Dahan: A look at how India celebrated Dussehra this year

EntertainmentAdam Sandler reacts to buzz around his first Oscar nomination for 'Jay Kelly'

EntertainmentPandit Chhannulal Mishra cremated with full state honour