The Internet as also the media saw a rather huge uproar on the account of Tamil actor Vijay's 'Mersal'. The film had a couple of controversial dialogues regarding GST as also the Digital India programme. And former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha has come out to state that he supports Vijay as also the movie. The veteran actor has been one to voice his opinions loud and clear and this time was no different.
The BJP member from Patna said, "Why are we so defensive about a perfectly legitimate issue that has been raised in the Tamil film regarding healthcare and the GST? As entertainers and actors with powerful voices, we have a certain duty towards the public to make them aware of socio-political issues". Post the 'Mersal' controversies, the Tamil Nadu unit of the BJP demanded the removal of certain dialogues which take a dig at the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Digital India. To which the actor stated, "Why is it such a crime if Vijay who is a very powerful Tamil actor, reminds us that the poor in our country desperately need healthcare?"
However, Sinha also feels that the protesters don't represent the BJP's 'official' view. He said, "Has anyone heard the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) or any of the top leaders commenting on the issue? It is only some elements in our party who are eager to prove that they are more loyal than the others". He even added, "They are the ones jumping in to attack this perfectly harmless and very significant point raised in the film. Instead of attacking Vijay and questioning his credentials we should all take his words seriously and work towards improving healthcare in our country". The actor strongly feels that there is no harm pulling up the government for their mistakes.
On a lighter note, the actor even added that thanks to the BJP, 'Mersal' garnered quite a bit of attention and that the makers of the film should be thankful for that.
