Bengaluru
A fresh controversy has erupted in Karnataka after actor and social activist Chetan Ahimsa shared a social media post questioning land allocation for the memorial of legendary actor Dr. Rajkumar.
The remarks, made on the occasion of Rajkumar’s birth anniversary, have triggered strong backlash from fans, leading to a police complaint.
The issue began when Chetan Ahimsa took to his official social media accounts, including Facebook and X, to criticize the government’s decision to allocate around 2.5 acres of land for the memorial complex of Dr. Rajkumar at the Kanteerava Studio premises in Bengaluru. While acknowledging Rajkumar as a महान artist, Chetan questioned whether allocating such a large piece of land in the heart of the city for a single actor’s memorial was justified.
In his post, Chetan emphasized that land has become a critical and sensitive issue in 21st-century India. He argued that governments must consider long-term public interest and future needs before making such allocations. He further criticized what he described as decisions influenced by vote bank politics and opportunism, stating that public resources should not be used for political gains.
The comments did not go down well with fans of Dr. Rajkumar, who regard the late actor as a cultural icon and a symbol of Kannada pride. On a day meant to celebrate his legacy, many fans expressed anger over what they perceived as disrespectful remarks. The situation escalated quickly, with several supporters filing a formal complaint against Chetan at the Basaveshwar Nagar Police Station.
Protests and strong reactions were reported from various parts of Bengaluru, with fans demanding an apology from the actor. Social media platforms also saw heated debates, with opinions sharply divided between those supporting Chetan’s right to question public policy and those condemning his statements as insensitive.
The controversy highlights the delicate balance between freedom of expression and public sentiment, especially when it involves revered cultural figures like Dr. Rajkumar. Authorities are expected to review the complaint and take appropriate action based on the findings.
