New Delhi: Actor Anupam Kher has defended the right to protest and criticise the government amid demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh
Kumar, while objecting to abusive remarks allegedly directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his mother. In a video shared on social media, the actor said democratic dissent was important but should not involve personal insults or disrespect towards police personnel.
Kher, who is currently touring the US and Canada with his play Jaane Pehchane Anjaane, explained why he decided to speak out despite anticipating criticism. The protests have been driven by allegations of voter-list irregularities and vote theft, with demonstrators demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Kher maintained that people who support the government should also be able to express their views without facing criticism simply for holding different opinion.
Anupam Kher Says Dissent Should Not Lead to Abuse
In his Instagram post, Kher said he did not want to remain silent to avoid public backlash. He acknowledged that people had every right to question the government and disagree with the Prime Minister but argued that abusive language was unnecessary.
“I want to clarify at the outset that we all have the right to protest. Questions should be asked of the government, criticise the Prime Minister, and disagree with his decisions—all of this should happen in a democracy. But is it right to abuse the Prime Minister, direct foul language at his mother, behave rudely with police personnel, insult female police officers, and provoke them? No matter how fierce your opposition is, is it necessary to resort to abuse to make your point?”
The actor also expressed concern over videos from the demonstrations that, according to him, showed abusive language and disrespect towards police officers.
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Anupam Kher urges protesters to present evidence of vote theft
Addressing allegations against the Election Commission and Gyanesh Kumar, Kher called on protesters to present evidence and seek answers through legal and constitutional channels. He said allegations of electoral wrongdoing should be investigated fairly but must be supported by proof.
“I voted with faith in the leadership of our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, and seeing everything he has done for the country over the last 12 years, that faith remains firm today. Therefore, respect for the faith of millions of citizens like me should also be mandatory,” he said.
Kher also objected to the use of the word ‘chaiwala’ to demean Modi, saying that coming from a humble background should not be treated as an insult. Sharing his own experience, he said he remained proud of being the son of a Forest Department clerk.
‘A soaked man does not fear the rain’
Kher acknowledged that his comments might attract online abuse, including labels such as ‘andhbhakt’ and ‘dalal’. However, he said artists and public figures with differing political opinions should have the same freedom to speak openly.
Recalling his early struggles in the Hindi film industry, when he sometimes slept on railway platforms while searching for work, Kher shared advice from his grandfather: “Son, remember, a soaked man does not fear the rain”. The actor said he would continue expressing his views without responding to abuse with more abuse.
