Big B's bulletproof shield gone, BJP-Congress clash over Bollywood stars' safety

The Sunday evening ritual outside Amitabh Bachchan's Jalsa bungalow in Mumbai's Juhu, which has endured for over four decades, returned to its familiar form last week, with the actor greeting fans without the bulletproof glass barrier that had shielded him just days earlier.But the removal of the temporary security arrangement has triggered a political war, with the Congress questioning whether the threat to Bollywood personalities has subsided or whether the government simply wants to avoid embarrassment.Last week, Bachchan had appeared behind reinforced bulletproof glass while greeting fans, following an email threatening bomb explosions at his residence, received by Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde. The additional security drew criticism from Opposition leaders, who cited the threats faced by several Bollywood personalities and questioned the law-and-order situation in Maharashtra.On Sunday, November 8, the glass barrier was removed as Bachchan stepped out to greet fans. His son, Abhishek Bachchan, stood beside him, keeping a watchful eye and discreetly conferring with private bodyguards and senior Mumbai Police officers stationed along the perimeter. Reacting to the removal, Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant questioned whether the barrier had been taken down because the threat had subsided or because its presence reflected poorly on the government.“Whether bulletproof glass is removed as it shows the government in bad light or the threat is over, this is something only Amitabh ji can answer,” Sawant said. He added that the removal of the barrier did not mean the fear among members of the film industry had gone away.“The bulletproof glass may have been removed, but when will the fear in the minds of Bollywood actors, artistes, producers and directors go away?” he asked.Sawant called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to explain when the film industry would be provided with a secure environment. Without naming Lawrence Bishnoi, he alleged that the gangster responsible for creating a climate of fear was lodged “comfortably” in Gujarat's Sabarmati jail.The Congress leader also accused the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra, headed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, of failing to ensure the safety of Bollywood personalities.The BJP hit back at the Congress over its remarks. BJP MLA Ram Kadam said the bulletproof partition had been installed only for a short period and accused the Opposition of turning its removal into a political controversy.“Claiming that glass has been removed in pressure of government is wrong,” Kadam said, adding that Congress leaders were using a celebrated artist to further their political agenda.The controversy comes amid a series of threats purportedly issued by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to Bollywood personalities in recent months.On October 18, two gunmen fired five rounds at actor Tiger Shroff's car in Mumbai's Juhu. The 36-year-old actor escaped largely unhurt, while his driver and a bystander who works as a vlogger were injured.Bachchan has been meeting fans outside Jalsa every Sunday for decades. His appearance behind bulletproof glass last week, followed by its removal on November 8, has now become the latest flashpoint in the political debate over the security of Bollywood personalities.- Ends