The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Sunday, 25 October launched a sharp offensive against veteran Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah after he alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seeks revenge against those who do not subscribe to its ideology — with NDA leaders accusing him of 'campaigning against India' under the cover of opposing the ruling party.

What Triggered the Row

The controversy erupted after Naseeruddin Shah publicly extended his support to students of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, who are staging an indefinite sit-in following a violent incident on campus. Shah's broader remarks about the BJP drew an immediate and coordinated response from ruling-alliance leaders across party lines.

What NDA Leaders Said

Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, Karnataka, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi dismissed the actor's comments, saying remarks from 'such people' hold no significance. 'These people keep on saying that there is no democracy in India... one should look at the condition of countries like Pakistan and even Bangladesh. In India, people are free to express and that itself shows that there is very strong democracy and existence of constitutional values,' Joshi said. He added: 'They can say whatever they want but people have accepted the BJP and the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.'

Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam said that while millions admire Shah as an actor, 'in his old age, a different side of him has emerged — apart from the actor in him, a political figure with extremist and hardline views has emerged.' Nirupam went further, warning: 'Under the pretext of opposing the BJP, the way he is campaigning against India's unity and integrity by making and releasing videos, I can understand that he may have lost his sense of judgment. Under the influence of Communists and his political views and in his opposition to the BJP, I fear that he might turn against India.'

Janata Dal (United) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan urged Shah to 'keep in mind the sentiments of those who have always appreciated his craft,' adding that 'established actors like Naseeruddin Shah should be able to differentiate between disagreement and anarchy.'

BJP MLA Ram Kadam was the most pointed in his criticism: 'We respect his craft but his statements reflect the mindset of a Pakistani spokesperson. Whom is he supporting? 'Tukde Tukde' gang who wants to divide India?' Kadam urged the actor to ensure his views 'align with the country's integrity,' saying 'such remarks do not suit him.'

The Broader Context

This is not the first time Naseeruddin Shah has found himself at odds with the ruling establishment. The actor has previously made public statements on issues of intolerance, mob violence, and democratic backsliding, each of which drew strong responses from BJP and allied leaders. Critics argue that the pattern of coordinated political attacks on dissenting cultural figures reflects a broader attempt to delegitimise artistic voices critical of government policy.

Notably, the sit-in at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute — the immediate trigger for Shah's remarks — remains ongoing, with students demanding accountability over the reported campus violence.

What Happens Next

The political heat around Shah's comments is likely to intensify as the institute standoff continues and Bihar and other state elections draw closer, making cultural nationalism a live electoral issue. Whether Shah responds to the NDA's broadsides publicly will determine how long the controversy remains in the news cycle.