‘Don’t think Salman Khan has the courage to refuse’: SP MP Abu Azmi jibes at actor over RSS event | India News
New Delhi: Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on actor Salman Khan’s presence at the RSS’s 100th anniversary celebrations, alleging that the Bollywood star might attend the event under pressure. He also claimed that the actor did not have the guts to reject the invitation sent by the ruling body.Speaking to reporters, the SP MLA suggested that Khan, as a public figure, may not have the freedom to decline invitations associated with those in power. “I understand that Salman Khan is an actor, and he has to live with respect in the country. If the pro-ruling people say something, I don’t think Salman Khan has the guts to say no. He must have gone there under government pressure,” Azmi said, hinting forcefully behind the actor’s presence.
# Look MUMBAI: Actor Salman Khan’s 2-day commentary series on RSS includes ‘100-year journey of the Sangh’.
This socialist leader Abu Asim Azmi said, “I am explaining to an actor and they have to live with the honor of their country. pic.twitter.com/27m9puWttP
— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) February 11, 2026
Azmi’s comments came after Salman Khan attended the event RSS Mumbai Commentary Saturday’s event, part of a two-day lecture series titled “Sanghe’s 100-Year Journey: New Horizons”. The actor’s presence at the event sparked a political debate, drawing reactions from leaders across party lines.Protecting the Khan, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde rejected the controversy and urged political leaders not to politicize the issue. He said there was nothing unusual about the actor attending the event, insisting that Khan, as an Indian citizen, has the right to attend such an event.“Whether or not Salman Khan attended an RSS programme, why should that even be questioned? Salman Khan is an Indian citizen. He follows Indian culture – Ganapati comes to his house, and his entire family believes in these traditions. I don’t think there is anything wrong with that. In fact, it is absolutely right,” Shinde said, adding that unnecessary politics should not be made.
Video Mumbai: On Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s attendance at an RSS event, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said, “Whether Salman Khan attended an RSS event or not, why should it be questioned? Salman Khan is an Indian citizen. He follows Indian culture, Ganapati comes to him… pic.twitter.com/TCCNdyS3n0
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 10, 2026
Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane also came out in support of the actor, while Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray slammed him.
# Look | Mumbai: On MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s criticism of RSS’ 100-year programme, Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane said, “I was at the programme. He never disrespected any language. Raj Thackeray is misinformed… Salman Khan is more Hindu than Uddhav Thackeray.… pic.twitter.com/ltHJjAHsbM
— ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2026
Rane claimed, “Salman Khan is more of a Hindu than Uddhav Thackeray. He had the guts to attend an RSS function.”