Zoo Station

I have not been a fan of the BJP beyond welcoming their rise as a viable opposition party, which is vital in a democracy, and their pro-business, pro-liberalisation agenda. The fact that the party harboured too many fundies always worried me. So, imagine my surprise when Khushboo (and Suhasini) received support from the unlikeliest of quarters -- the BJP -- in her bizarre battle with the moral police in Tamil Nadu.

"The BJP totally disagrees with the kind of agitations and protests launched against the film artistes," Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu said, referring to agitators throwing chappals and and displaying broomsticks. Making it clear that the BJP did not subscribe to the views expressed by Kushboo, as reported in a section of the media, Mr Naidu told newspersons here "it is not part of our culture to throw chappals and rotten eggs at somebody. This will start a new trend and this is not a good thing," he said.

These film artistes had some appeal and they had done something for society, he said, adding it was not fair to run a campaign like this against them.Stating that Tamil Nadu had a great background of culture and heritage, he said naturally people got offended when traditions were sought to be broken, but they should react in a healthy manner. In a democracy, one had the right to express views and those views could be countered only through views, Mr Naidu said.

Of course, Mr. Naidu seems to forget that the BJP's close buddies, the Shiv Sena, were, not so long ago, responsible for destroying theaters that showed the movie, Fire, but such are the exigencies of power. At this point, they're taking a principled stand and they deserve to be commended for doing so. Let's hope they're not forced into backtracking by the hooligans who pretend to be the defenders of Tamil culture.