BJP, Congress Spar Over National Award For Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan honored with national best actor award for 'Jawan' performance

Mumbai:

According to former BJP MLA Raj Purohit, while Congress administrations consistently overlooked Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan for awards, his party evaluates the actor solely based on his professional merit.

The Opposition, however, has claimed that the government's decision to recognize the actor with a national award for the first time in 11 years is strategically timed with the Bihar assembly elections.

"Many individuals have observed that Congress neglected Shah Rukh Khan throughout the years," BJP leader Raj Purohit stated to PTI Videos.

Khan received the national best actor award for his performance in "Jawan," an honor he shares with Vikrant Massey for "12th Fail."

Purohit emphasized that the BJP has never evaluated the actor based on religious background but rather acknowledged his artistic talent and performances.

He further asserted that Shah Rukh's award victory contradicts allegations that the BJP engages in caste or religious discrimination.

The saffron party stands for unity, meritocracy, and capability, according to Purohit.

Mumbai-based Congress leader and Maharashtra Legislative Council member Bhai Jagtap accused the governing BJP of politicizing national awards for electoral advantage.

"No national award was granted to him during these eleven years. Why suddenly now? Is this connected to the Bihar elections or Maharashtra local body elections?" Jagtap questioned when speaking to PTI Videos.

While extending congratulations to Khan, whom he described as a cultural asset for the nation, Jagtap expressed concerns about the timing and political narrative surrounding the award.

The Congress legislator claimed that the BJP initially polarized society and "silenced" Muslims but suddenly remembered Shah Rukh Khan because of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.

"The sole motivation behind honoring Shah Rukh Khan is elections," Jagtap insisted.