Tamil movie actor Kamal Haasan, who is planning to jump into active politics, says there are "Hindu extremists" too.
Writing in a Tamil magazine, Kamal said that earlier rightwing Hindus used to argue but without indulging in violence.
But as their "cunningness" started to fail, they began to resort to violence, he said.
"Extremism has spread into their camp as well," the actor said. "This extremism is not a victory or progress to those who call themselves Hindus."
He moaned that these days festivals had been commercialized.
According to him, the older generation upper caste people who get jittery on seeing equality in society were now trying to impose Sanathana Dharma on the youth by coating it with honey.
This was being done through festivals, culture and art, he said.
The BJP, which is trying to expand its footprint in the state, criticised the article and dared Haasan to produce proof to back his “irresponsible, malicious and false propaganda”.
“A superstar like Kamal Haasan should speak with some degree of responsibility. What proof does he have to make such a sweeping comment?” party spokesperson Narayanan Tirupati told .
Tirupati went on to say that Haasan should speak on corruption in the film industry, instead of making “outlandish” claims. “He must either provide proof or apologise for his irresponsible blabbering,” he said, pointing out that it was minority groups who stalled the release of his film ‘Viswaroopam’ in Tamil Nadu until five scenes were censored.
Following his controversial statements, the south superstar was trolled on Twitter for 'irresponsible blabbering' without any proof.
If Kamal Haasan has a shred of evidence on Hindu terror, he should place it before NIA. Else, apologise. And let parties make stand clear
— Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) November 2, 2017
Today, 6 ISIS suspects identified in Kerala and instead of questioning to CPI(M) Govt, Kamal Haasan giving sermons about Hindu Terror. Wah !
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) November 2, 2017
Kamal Haasan should either back his blabber with evidence of Hindu terror or Apologize. Peddling lies for Political gain. A wannabe Periyar. pic.twitter.com/WhetUHm0Y1
— Jagrati Shukla (@JagratiShukla29) November 2, 2017
Kamal Haasan talking about Hindu terror to launch his political career..
— Gappistan Radio (@GappistanRadio) November 2, 2017
Ye naav 2014 se pehle doob gayi Aur in bhai ko ab isme chadhna hai
Kamal Haasan didn't see these IS cheering Tamil boys, neither he could recollect those tearful days of 'Viswaroopam'! Busy on Hindu Terror! pic.twitter.com/xwe22ZQwn8
— ചാത്തൂട്ടി (@chathootti) November 2, 2017
Not only Hindu, every faith has extremists. But why Kamal Haasan doesn't name the faith which is contributing to 90% of global extremism?
— Debarati Majumder (@debarati_m) November 2, 2017
Hindus gave Kamal Haasan love and title of Superstar. Now he is paying back calling us terrorist. Thanks @ikamalhaasan
— Mockshak (@Silent_Humor) November 2, 2017
Kamal Haasan's statement is irresponsible & childish.
— Neha Gupta (@ne_hah) November 2, 2017
Mr. Hassan, how many so-called 'Hindu terrorists' have you seen posing with an AK47?
Kamal Haasan was about 2 be beheaded by Muslim Terrorists before the release of his movie Vishwaroopam.
— Hoor-E-Sagarika (@72hoors) November 2, 2017
Looks like he has short term memory.
Those Hindu terror groups abused Kamal Haasan & made him pee in his pants during his movie, Viswaroopam’s release https://t.co/vLWkmi3PRf
— The Masakadzas (@Nesenag) November 2, 2017
Kamal Haasan has clearly not done enough preparation to enter politics as much as he usually does for a role . Disappointing #timesnow
— sidharrth gautam (@drsid2982) November 2, 2017