Mumbai, July 17: Congress leader Hussain Dalwai has called on actor Aamir Khan to support Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike. In a conversation with a news agency on Friday, Dalwai expressed disappointment that Khan has yet to show his support for Wangchuk. “I don’t understand why he hasn’t backed Sonam Wangchuk yet,” he said.
Dalwai also mentioned actor Naseeruddin Shah, noting that Shah supports the government but is not afraid to criticize it when necessary. He urged Khan to take a cue from Shah and demonstrate similar courage, stating that artists should never be afraid.
Responding to Khan’s previous comments about Wangchuk’s hunger strike, Dalwai emphasized that while Khan respects Wangchuk, mere respect is insufficient. He insisted that Khan must actively support Wangchuk, who is fasting to demand reforms in the country’s system. Dalwai recalled that Mahatma Gandhi also undertook hunger strikes for India’s freedom, highlighting that many individuals in the country resort to fasting to advocate for systemic change. “In such situations, we must show empathy towards those fasting; only then can we hope for normalcy,” he added.
Dalwai also addressed the Vande Mataram bill, stating that while no one objects to the song, there are attempts to impose its rendition in RSS branches. He noted that the lyrics reference deities, and he believes it is inappropriate to enforce this in practical life. “We have no issue with singing about the beauty of the country, but compelling non-Hindus to sing Vande Mataram is unacceptable,” he remarked.
He further criticized those who previously distanced themselves from the Vande Mataram movement, recalling that leaders like Maulana Azad and Gaffar Khan once rallied under its banner against British rule. “Where were these individuals then? They were complicit in colonial subjugation,” he stated.
Dalwai also shared his views on the One Nation, One Election proposal, dismissing claims that its implementation would boost the country’s GDP. He argued that such assertions are baseless and that the focus should be on addressing poverty, education, and healthcare rather than enriching a select few. “The situation is dire for the poor, and the government must prioritize inclusive development, similar to China’s approach,” he concluded.
Regarding recent meetings between NCP leaders and Eknath Shinde, Dalwai commented on the power dynamics at play, suggesting that the need for power drives these interactions. He expressed skepticism about Shinde relinquishing the finance ministry, indicating that Devendra Fadnavis is unlikely to part with it.
On the topic of the delimitation bill, he noted that discussions are ongoing about its benefits, but he doubts that all decisions will rest with Supriya Sule. He believes that Sharad Pawar, influenced by Congress ideologies, will not align with the BJP.
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