Padmavati row: Violent threats not acceptable in democracy, says Venkaiah Naidu

New Delhi: Amid the Padmavati row, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu said on Saturday that giving violent threats and announcing rewards for physical harm was not acceptable in a democracy.

Not directly referring to the controversy, but films and art in general, he warned against undermining the rule of law in the country.

Mr Naidu, at a literary festival here, said there is now 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.

“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?” 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.

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

His remarks, however, assume significance as they come amid protests by many groups against Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed Padmavati, alleging that it distorts history.