When asked in an interview with CNN IBN why he was targeted by the Shiv Sena despite BJP’s alliance with the Sena, Sudheendra Kulkarni said that the latter’s reponse to the book launch was no surprise.
I was the main organiser and host of the book launch. The Sena had already threatened us in a latter and said that if the event wasn’t cancelled, they would disrup the event in ‘typical Sena style.’ We went ahead anyway; to surrender would be to accept defeat and a defeat of the freedom of speech. Mumbai rejects the politics of hooliganism.
— Sudheendra Kulkarni, Head, Mumbai Chapter, Observer Research Foundation
Stressing repeatedly on the importance of dialogue between India and Pakistan, he said that Pakistan itself was a victim of terrorism. At the same time, he did condemn Pakistan sponsored terror, but did not agree that Pakistanis ought to be denied entry to India.
When asked about the current government’s stance on talks with Pakistan, i.e. to not encourage them, he said that the government was in fact open to talks with Pakistan. He cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to Nawaz Sharif and the constructive talks in Russia as examples of successful India-Pakistan interactions.
In my personal opinion, it was wrong of the Indian government to call off the NSA-level talks with Pakistan. Pakistan has always met the Hurriyat leaders; this year was nothing new. Atal Bihari Vajpayee met Hurriyat leaders; and the leaders were happy with him, despite his belonging to the BJP.
— Sudheendra Kulkarni
When asked whether he would go to Pakistan, he was insistent that he would go there and release a book. “I will release my book in the presence of people of goodwill like Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri.”
Speaking on intolerance, he urged the Prime Minister to recognise that “intolerance of various kinds is growing in our society and it isn’t just a law and order situation. It’s not a good sign.” When asked whether the BJP should have taken legal action against the Shiv Sena, he said that the public opinion was in the favour of the book launch and that was enough for him.
He also said that a large section of minority communities are feeling increasingly insecure and alienated and that the prime minister must take bold initiatives and not let fringe elements dominate the agenda.
The PM must take effective steps in terms of pronouncements and decisions, so that the minorities feel safe. The atmosphere must be cleansed. The government must bring their agenda of development back on track.
— Sudheendra Kulkarni
He had tweeted yesterday that ‘de-demonising’ Jinnah may help India-Pakistan relations.
In his concluding statement, he said that the time has come for the government to introspect and do some “course correction.”
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