A huge and heated debate is currently taking place in the Indian cinema world and political circles, which has created a stir from social media to TV debates. Actress Swara Bhasker, known for her outspoken and often controversial statements, has once again come under the scanner for her statements. Swara Bhaskar recently gave such a statement regarding history's great Rajput heroine Queen Padmavati and the historical practice of 'Jauhar' performed by women, after which a storm of protest has arisen all around. The most sharp and aggressive reaction to this statement has come from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla. Shehzad Poonawala has made a strong attack on the actress and has said in clear words that "Swara Bhaskar stop now"And at the same time, he has also taken sharp questions to the top leader of Congress Party, Rahul Gandhi. Let us understand each and every aspect of this high-voltage political and social drama in detail and in-depth. What is the whole matter and on which statement of Swara Bhaskar has the country's political temper flared up? This whole controversy started when actress Swara Bhaskar, during a public forum or discussion, commented on Indian history, especially the incident of Queen Padmavati and the practice of 'Jauhar', the historical step taken by her to save her identity from enemy attack. Critics and history lovers believe that Swara Bhaskar has presented this glorious and sacrifice-filled chapter of Indian culture in a very wrong manner, due to which people's sentiments have been hurt. In the Indian society, Queen Padmavati's sacrifice, courage and tradition of sacrificing her life for the country and religion is seen with utmost respect. In such a situation, when such comments are made by a mainstream personality, it is considered a direct attack on the social fabric and historical heritage. As soon as this statement came to light, #SwaraBhasker started trending on social media and everyone from the general public to various organizations started expressing strong opposition to it. Strong attack by BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala, said – Insult of Sanatan culture and history will not be tolerated. Bharatiya Janata Party's aggressive spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala issued a video message expressing strong objection to this statement of Swara Bhaskar and made a sharp attack. He said that some so-called intellectuals and Bollywood celebrities continuously run an agenda of deliberately insulting the great Sanatana culture, traditions and historical heroes of the country. Shahzad Poonawala said in blunt words that Rani Padmavati's Jauhar was a courageous sacrifice made under compulsion, which is the biggest symbol of the self-respect of Indian women against the evil attempts of the invaders, and such cheap comments on it cannot be accepted at any cost. He further said that in the name of freedom of expression, ridiculing the country's history and brave women has become a fashion, which must now be curbed. Rahul Gandhi and Congress Party also targeted, issue of ideological conflict raised. In this whole controversy, not only Swara Bhaskar, but BJP has also implicated Congress Party and its leader Rahul Gandhi. Raising questions in his statement, Shahzad Poonawala said that the Congress Party and its leaders are often seen supporting such forces and ideas which question the cultural heritage and traditions of India. He alleged that Rahul Gandhi talks about opening a 'shop of love', but his party and people associated with his ideological circle keep insulting the country's glorious history and great personalities. Political analysts believe that this controversy may get more heated in the coming days, because the issue of cultural nationalism has always been a matter of great sensitivity in the Indian political scenario. The war on social media and the debate of freedom of expression versus cultural propriety. After this entire incident, social media platforms have been divided into two clear groups. On one hand, while Swara Bhaskar's supporters are supporting her freedom of expression and ideological opinions, on the other hand, a large section of her is calling her remarks as hurting the history and cultural sentiments of the country. This long debate going on in cyberspace has once again underlined how sensitive and explosive this mixture of cinema, history and politics has become in modern India. Everyone is arguing from their own side, but overall it cannot be denied that such statements badly affect the mainstream political and social dialogue of the country, thereby creating fear of further polarization in the society.
