Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker is facing criticism on social media after expressing her support for a pro-Palestine rally scheduled to be held in Mumbai on June 18th. The actress shared a poster promoting the solidarity rally for Gaza and Palestine, urging Mumbaikars to attend. The event, organized by left-leaning political parties and social organizations, aims to condemn the "Israeli genocide of Gaza" and advocate for a shift in India's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Bhasker's post on X (formerly Twitter), which included the caption "Mumbai.. Show up for Palestine on 18 June! 🇵🇸❤️✨#stopthegenocideinpalestine," has ignited a mixed response. While some users have lauded her for her stance, many others have criticized her for being one-sided and for allegedly politicizing a complex international issue.
A significant portion of the backlash revolves around the question of why Bhasker and other activists are vocal about the Palestinian cause but seemingly silent on other instances of violence and human rights abuses, particularly those occurring within India. Several users have questioned why she hasn't organized similar events to address issues such as the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the plight of Bangladeshi Hindus, or the persecution of Christians in Syria and Sudan, and Hindus/Christian/Ahmadias in Pakistan.
This sentiment is encapsulated in comments such as, "Pahalgam, Bangladeshi Hindus, Christians in Syria, Christians in Sudan/Somalia, Hindus/Christian/Ahmadias in Pakistan... In sab ko chhodkar inhe sirf Palestinians ki chinta hai. Agar tumhara pyar sirf musalmano se hai to Baloch Muslims ke liye hi protest kar do?" which translates to, "Leaving aside Pahalgam, Bangladeshi Hindus, Christians in Syria, Christians in Sudan/Somalia, Hindus/Christian/Ahmadias in Pakistan... why are they only concerned about Palestinians? If your love is only for Muslims, then protest for Baloch Muslims too?"
The online criticism also includes accusations of hypocrisy, with some users questioning why these individuals do not organize similar events when "innocent Indians are killed in terrorist attacks." Some users have even tagged the official X accounts of the Mumbai Police and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging them to take action against the actress.
It's important to note that this isn't the first time Bhasker has faced scrutiny for her views on global humanitarian issues. She has a history of speaking out in support of refugees, minority rights, and various progressive causes, which has often made her a target of both praise and criticism.
In the past, Bhasker has been vocal about the Israel-Palestine conflict, criticizing the Israeli government's actions and expressing solidarity with Palestinians. In October 2023, she condemned what she described as "Israel's unending atrocities on Palestinians," including the occupation of Palestinian homes, forced evictions, and the blockade of Gaza. She has also referred to Israel as an "apartheid state" and framed the issue as an anti-imperialist and anti-colonial struggle.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Swara Bhasker has, as of now, not issued any clarification or reacted to the trolling. The rally is still scheduled to proceed on June 18th at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.
