Actor Prakash Raj has alleged that the BJP sent “goons” to prevent him from attending and speaking at an event in Dharwad marking 50 years of Samudaya, a theatre group he described as important to Karnataka and the country.
In a video posted on X, Raj said he had travelled to Dharwad for the celebration, which included three days of workshops and seminars. According to him, the sessions discussed current issues, problems faced by young people and how art should function in society.
Raj alleged that those behind the disruption did not want a discussion on the country’s present situation. He also referred to threats and ink being thrown on his posters, calling such actions “childish activities”.
Addressing those he accused of trying to silence him, Raj said using “goondas”, pelting and lathi-charge to stop people from speaking might be shown in films but was illegal in real life. He described such actions as those of a “criminal-minded” person and a coward unwilling to face questions.
Raj ended the video by calling his remarks “a small advice from a proud dimaagi Naxal”. The post did not state whether he was ultimately able to attend the event or address the gathering, and no response from the BJP was included in the source material.
