A fresh political row has erupted after Bollywood actor Salman Khan attended an RSS event addressed by chief Mohan Bhagwat, triggering sharp reactions from leaders across party lines in Maharashtra.
The controversy intensified when Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane took a swipe at Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, claiming, “Salman Khan is more of a Hindu than Uddhav… he had the courage to attend an RSS programme.” His remark added fuel to an already heated debate over the actor’s presence at the event.
Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi alleged that Salman Khan may have attended under “government pressure,” suggesting that actors often find it difficult to refuse invitations when the ruling dispensation is involved. “He has to live with respect in this country. If people from the ruling side say something, I don’t think he has the courage to refuse,” Azmi said.
However, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde dismissed the controversy, defending the actor’s right to attend any public event. “Isn’t he an Indian citizen? He installs Lord Ganesha at home, respects our culture. I don’t see anything wrong with him attending the programme,” Shinde said, urging critics not to politicise the matter.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut also questioned the intent behind the invitation, hinting that the actor’s presence could have been aimed at projecting inclusivity. He suggested that discussions around the event indicated possible coercion.
Meanwhile, actor and BJP leader Rupali Ganguly, who was also present, rejected claims of pressure. Calling the allegations “rubbish,” she said attendees were happy to participate.
At the event, Mohan Bhagwat advocated a ‘swadeshi’ economic model, emphasising voluntary global cooperation without external pressure. Despite that focus, it is Salman Khan’s attendance that continues to dominate the political conversation.
