Seasoned actor Vikram Gokhale has got Kangana Ranaut‘s back for her remarks regarding the independence of India. Speaking on the sidelines of an event organized by the Bramhan Mahasangh in Pune to honour the actor on his 75th birthday, Gokhale said he agreed with Kangana and her other statement that India got “real freedom in 2014”.
Quoted as saying by Indian Express, Gokhale remarked, “I agree with what Kangana Ranaut has said. We got freedom in alms. It was given. Many freedom fighters were hanged and the big-wigs at that time didn’t attempt to save them. They remained mere mute spectators”
I agree with what Kangana Ranaut has said. We got freedom in alms. It was given. Many freedom fighters were hanged and the big-wigs at that time didn't attempt to save them. They remained mere mute spectators: Actor Vikram Gokhale in Pune pic.twitter.com/4gBSYwFjqf
— ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2021
He further added, “I also agree with what Ranaut said that we got real freedom in 2014.” However, adding the caveat that he was not a blind supporter of the current disposition, especially Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, Gokhale said, “When PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah go on election campaign, I don’t agree with what they say. But yes, when they work in national interest, like how they put China on the backfoot, I support them.”
Vikram Gokhale is an influential personality in the state and often political leaders are seen paying heed to his advice. Speaking to the media, he also said that the Shiv Sena and the BJP must join hands, while he was putting in the efforts to make it a reality.
“My efforts are on. I had personally asked Devendra Fadnavis (former CM and senior BJP leader) why he did not give CM’s post to Sena for 2.5 years. He (Fadnavis) told me that it was a mistake.”
What did Kangana say?
Earlier, Kangana Ranaut had stoked a massive controversy after she remarked that India attained real freedom only in 2014 when the Narendra Modi government came to power. She described India’s independence in 1947 from the British as ‘bheek’ (alms). After her comment drew ire, Kangana had gone on to defend herself and said that she would return her Padma award if she is proven wrong.
Read More: In targeting Kangana Ranaut, the media exposes its hypocrisy
However, different political parties and their leaders have now started a hounding campaign against Kangana. Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi took a distasteful jibe at Kangana by stating, “ek talve chatne vali aurat hain, use jail bhej dena chahiye” (she is a bootlicker, she should be sent to jail).
Gokhale’s firm defence of Kangana suggests that her unpopular opinion might not be as unpopular as one would have reckoned earlier, as people continue to dissect her statements in a nuanced manner.