New Delhi, Sep 25 (NationPress) Congress leader Bhai Jagtap has ignited controversy with remarks implying that Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's inaugural National Film Award for Best Actor was awarded to attract Muslim voters in advance of the Bihar Assembly elections.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sharply condemned Jagtap's assertions, emphasizing that National Awards are esteemed accolades bestowed by the Government of India to honor excellence in cinema, literature, and various disciplines.

Shah Rukh Khan earned his first National Film Award for Best Actor for his role in 'Jawan'.

In an interview with IANS on Wednesday, Jagtap stated, "While the Modi government perpetrates injustices against Muslims in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and beyond, employing violence based on religion and caste, PM Modi seems to employ tactics as elections approach. He suddenly remembers Shah Rukh Khan."

"The National Award is a significant accomplishment, but Shah Rukh Khan's stature as an actor is even greater, recognized globally. Whether the BJP acknowledges it or not, the question remains: Are they celebrating Shah Rukh Khan for his acting prowess or because he is a Muslim as elections draw near? This is my belief," he further stated.

The comments elicited strong responses from leaders within the NDA.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde remarked that the Congress party lacks substantial issues and resorts to unfounded allegations.

"People support us, which is why we achieve landslide victories. He should express himself sensibly. He has no valid issues and makes allegations as his sole occupation," Shinde told reporters.

BJP leader Yaser Jilani criticized Congress, asserting, "Congress ruled for years, consistently following appeasement politics. Today, Shah Rukh Khan is recognized for his remarkable performance in 'Jawan'. Instead of honoring him, Congress seeks votes even in this context."

"Those fixated on votes cannot earn public trust this way. The BJP avoids caste or religion-based politics. When A.P.J. Abdul Kalam became President, we acknowledged his capabilities, not his faith. I wonder when Congress will abandon appeasement politics," he added.

West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya also criticized Jagtap, attributing the party's divisive tactics to Congress. He mentioned, "It is Congress that divides people along religious lines, not the BJP. Our politics is decisive, not divisive. Even his own party leaders struggle to take Rahul Gandhi seriously."

Meanwhile, the Congress party distanced itself from Jagtap's comments. Senior leader Udit Raj clarified to IANS, "Whoever made such a statement was incorrect. This does not reflect the stance of the Congress Party. Shah Rukh Khan is a phenomenal actor, recognized as the best in India and many other nations. The Congress Party does not support this statement."

The National Film Award recipients were announced in August, where Shah Rukh Khan was honored as Best Actor in a Leading Role.