Sunil Lahri, the beloved actor who portrayed the character of Lakshman in the iconic Indian television series Ramayan, has stirred up controversy with his recent comments about the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) performance in the Ayodhya municipal elections. In a series of tweets, Lahri expressed his disappointment with the citizens of Ayodhya, accusing them of “betraying” the BJP and comparing their actions to doubting the character of Sita from the epic Ramayana.
Sunil Lahri’s Criticism of Ayodhya Voters
Lahri took to Twitter to voice his displeasure with the Ayodhya voters, stating that they had “betrayed” the BJP by not supporting the party in the recent municipal elections. He wrote, “The people of Ayodhya have betrayed the BJP. They have doubted the party just like they doubted Sita Maa.” This statement drew immediate attention and sparked a heated debate on social media.
Comparing Voters to Doubting Sita
In his tweets, Lahri drew a parallel between the actions of the Ayodhya voters and the doubting of Sita’s character in the Ramayana. He wrote, “Just like Sita Maa was doubted and questioned, the people of Ayodhya have doubted the BJP. This is not right.” This comparison has been met with mixed reactions, with some agreeing with Lahri’s sentiment and others criticizing him for the analogy.
BJP’s Performance in Ayodhya Elections
The BJP’s performance in the Ayodhya municipal elections has been a topic of discussion since the results were announced. While the party managed to secure a majority, its margin of victory was smaller than expected, leading to speculation about the reasons behind this outcome. Lahri’s comments suggest that he believes the citizens of Ayodhya are responsible for the party’s relatively weaker performance.
Lahri’s Popularity and Influence
Sunil Lahri’s portrayal of Lakshman in Ramayan has made him a beloved figure among Indian audiences. His comments, therefore, carry significant weight and have the potential to influence public opinion. As an influential public figure, Lahri’s words have sparked a debate about the role of celebrities in shaping political discourse.
Reactions to Lahri’s Comments
Lahri’s comments have received mixed reactions from the public. Some have expressed agreement with his views, while others have criticized him for his comparison of voters to doubting Sita. The debate has also raised questions about the relationship between celebrities and politics in India.
The Significance of Ayodhya in Indian Politics
Ayodhya holds a special significance in Indian politics, particularly for the BJP. The party has long championed the cause of building a Ram temple in the city, and its victory in the 2019 general elections was seen as a mandate for this project. Lahri’s comments suggest that he believes the citizens of Ayodhya have betrayed this cause by not fully supporting the BJP in the municipal elections.
Conclusion
Sunil Lahri’s comments have sparked a heated debate about the role of celebrities in shaping political discourse and the significance of Ayodhya in Indian politics. While some have agreed with his views, others have criticized him for his comparison of voters to doubting Sita. Regardless of one’s political affiliation, Lahri’s words serve as a reminder of the power of celebrity influence and the need for informed and responsible political discourse.