'Secularism Must Be 2-Way Street': Pawan Kalyan, Kangana Question Sharmistha Panoli's Arrest

Actor-politician Pawan Kalyan and actress Kangana Ranaut have voiced their concerns over the arrest of law student Sharmishta Panoli, 22, in West Bengal. Panoli was detained for a video she had posted, which contained communal remarks but was subsequently deleted. The arrest has sparked a debate on the boundaries of free speech and the role of secularism, with Kalyan emphasizing that "secularism must be a two-way street," suggesting that tolerance should be mutual and not selectively applied. The incident has ignited political outrage, with critics accusing the West Bengal government of overreach and stifling dissent. Kangana Ranaut, known for her outspoken views, questioned the rationale behind Panoli's arrest, arguing that it sets a concerning precedent for freedom of expression. Both Kalyan and Ranaut have highlighted the necessity for a balanced approach to secularism that respects diverse opinions while maintaining communal harmony. The arrest has also drawn attention to the broader implications for young voices in India, particularly those in educational institutions. With tensions running high, the call for a nuanced dialogue on secularism and free speech is growing stronger. As the debate unfolds, it remains to be seen how the West Bengal authorities will respond to the mounting criticism and what this means for future cases involving expressions of personal belief.

— Authored by Next24 Live