Violent threats not acceptable in democracy: Venkaiah Naidu on 'Padmavati' row

In the middle of the protests against the film "Padmavati", comes Vice President Venkaiah Naidu statement that giving violent threats and announcing rewards for physical harm is not acceptable in a democracy.

The vice-president, who was speaking at a literary festival in New Delhi, referred to the bounty that was offered for killing the film's actors Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and said one could not give violent threats and undermine the rule of law.

"Whether these fellows have that much money or not, I doubt. Everyone is announcing Rs one crore reward. Is it so easy to have Rs one crore? (Also Read: Country is witnessing hyper-nationalism, alarming: Shabana Azmi on 'Padmavati' row)

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"This is not acceptable in a democracy. You have the right to protest in a democratic manner, go to the appropriate authorities...You cannot physically obstruct and can't give violent threats. Let us not undermine the rule of law," he said.(Also Read - 'Padmavati' row: No shooting for 15 minutes across India tomorrow)

"You have no right to take laws into your own hands. At the same time, you don't have the right to hurt the sentiments of others", Venkaiah Naidu said.

Various fringe groups led by the Rajput Karni Sena, and states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have protested against the film's release alleging that it distorts historical facts.

Venkaiah Naidu stressed that he was not talking about a particular film but about films and art in general. He read out names of previously banned films like "Garam Hawa", "Kissa Kursi Ka" and "Aandhi".

The vice president said there was a new problem over some films where people feel that they have hurt the sentiments of some religions or communities and that has led to protests.

The vice president also warned against selective condemnation and said it was wrong to link it with religion.

He said there was a difference between religion and culture. While religion was a way of worship, culture was a way of life, he said.

On incidents of dissent, Naidu said while dissent was agreeable, disintegration is not.

He said these incidents, taking place in the country, need to be identified, isolated and dealt with firmly and that according to him was a "challenge".

He said people have to live together irrespective of caste, creed sex, religion and added that India was one despite the differences.

"This is India's speciality and we have to uphold this speciality in young minds through literature, caricature, cinema, through art...The central theme (of all these) should be the well-being of all," he said

"You have to accept majority...Tolerance has to be there for the people's mandate."

(With inputs from PTI)