Abusing PM Modi, calling him chaiwala? Anupam Kher calls for peace at CEC protests

Veteran actor Anupam Kher has defended the right to dissent while speaking out against abusive language, violence and vandalism at protests in India. In a video shared from abroad, the 71-year-old said people were free to question the government and criticise Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but insisted that disagreement should remain peaceful and civil. He made the statement in reference to the ongoing anti-CEC protest in India."We all have the right to protest. One should question the government, criticise the Prime Minister, and express disagreement with his decisions – these are essential components of a democracy," Kher said. The A Wednesday actor also expressed his support for Modi, urging people who shared his political views to speak up confidently. "Being civil does not mean remaining silent," he said.Anupam Kher says dissent should not turn abusiveKher said he was in the final phase of a tour covering around 18 cities across the United States and Canada, where he was presenting his play, Jaane Pehchane Anjaane. He described the love and respect he had received from the Indian diaspora as deeply moving.He said the honours and commendations he had received during the tour reminded him of his identity as an Indian artist. Calling himself an unofficial cultural ambassador for India, Kher said he felt a responsibility towards his country. However, videos of recent protests in India had left him saddened and angry, he said. While acknowledging people's right to question the government and disagree with the Prime Minister, Kher questioned the need to abuse Modi, use derogatory language against his mother or insult police personnel, particularly female officers. "No matter how intense your opposition may be, is it truly necessary to resort to abuse to make your point?" he asked.Speaking as a citizen, Kher said he had voted based on his faith in Modi's leadership and continued to trust him because of what he believed the Prime Minister had accomplished over the past 12 years. "You have the right to hold your own opinions, and so do I. You are free to oppose the government, and I am free to oppose your methods," he said, adding that the loudest voice was not necessarily the one carrying the most weight in a democracy. He added, "In a democracy, the voice that carries weight is not necessarily the one that makes the most noise."Kher on election allegations and peaceful protestsAddressing allegations of election irregularities and accusations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission, Kher said those raising such concerns should present evidence, demand answers and pursue legal and constitutional remedies. They could also call for an impartial investigation, he said, but allegations needed evidence to be established."If you allege irregularities in the elections – if you have accusations against individuals like Gyanesh Kumar or the Election Commission – then present your evidence, demand answers, and pursue the available legal and constitutional avenues," Kher said.He added that those wanting to change the government should contest elections, win people's trust and explain why they believed its policies were flawed and their own offered a better alternative. Winning votes and defeating the government at the polls, he said, was the true strength of democracy.Kher acknowledged that peaceful protests were an essential democratic right. However, he said he would speak out if demonstrations became an excuse for violence, vandalism or attempts to incite people. The same standards, he added, should apply to protesters, those in power and government supporters.'Chaiwala' remark does not sit well with the actorAnupam Kher also took issue with people using the word 'chaiwala' to mock Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s humble beginnings. "Furthermore, I find it entirely unacceptable when someone is belittled by being called a 'tea-seller' (chaiwala). Earning a living through hard work is a matter of honour," he said.Drawing a parallel with his own life, the actor said he had always taken pride in being the son of a Forest Department clerk. He credited his father’s blessings for helping him reach where he was and said people from modest backgrounds had every right to dream big.Kher also stressed that the same standards of conduct should apply to everyone, regardless of their political leanings. "His standard of conduct should apply to everyone - protesters, those in power, and supporters of the government alike," he said.The actor added that artists, colleagues and social media influencers who supported the protests should allow those with opposing views to express themselves, as sharing a profession did not mean they had to share the same political ideology.Anupam Kher recalls grandfather's adviceAnticipating criticism over his video, Kher said people might label him an andhbhakt (blind devotee) or a dalal (sellout). However, he added that he could not hide his opinions simply to keep everyone happy.Recalling his early struggles to find work in the Hindi film industry, including a period when he lived on a railway platform, Kher shared advice from his grandfather that had stayed with him.“Son, remember: a man who is already drenched has no reason to fear the rain,” he recalled him saying.Kher said the experience of facing hardship, failure and criticism had taught him not to worry about how many people might support or abuse him for speaking his mind. He maintained that he would express his views firmly without resorting to abusive language himself.Addressing students, businesspeople, artists, musicians and Indians living abroad who shared his views, Kher urged them to speak peacefully and confidently. He said India's peace, unity and integrity mattered deeply to him and that he would oppose any attempt to undermine them through democratic means.Watch the video here:What Anupam Kher wrote in his postIn the caption accompanying the video, Kher said staying true to one's conscience was more important than seeking popularity. He wrote that he had been observing the protests while abroad and questioned their objectives, asking how much was based on truth and how much could be a conspiracy.He added that if supporters of the protests could express their views, those who wanted peace rather than chaos should also speak up, including people who believed India was progressing under Modi's leadership.Kher reiterated that he found abusive language directed at the Prime Minister offensive and questioned why people needed to resort to insults when criticising the government.The protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar took place in both Delhi and Mumbai on October 10, with demonstrators demanding his resignation over the irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. While thousands gathered at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, protests in Delhi saw demonstrators detained by police. The allegations have fuelled a wider debate over electoral transparency and the Election Commission’s functioning.- Ends