Salman Khan At RSS Event Triggers Political Storm In Maharashtra, Abu Azmi Questions Attendance

A political controversy has broken out in Maharashtra after Bollywood star Salman Khan attended an RSS programme in Mumbai. His presence at the event has triggered sharp reactions from leaders across party lines. Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi has suggested that Salman Khan may not have attended the event entirely of his own free will, while Shiv Sena UBT and other Opposition leaders have questioned the optics of the actor’s participation. The BJP and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde have strongly defended Salman Khan, saying the event was cultural in nature and that attending it should not be viewed through a religious or political lens. RSS leaders too have rejected the criticism, insisting the organisation does not discriminate on the basis of faith. What was meant to be a routine programme has now turned into a major political talking point in the state.