No one has a monopoly on patriotism

We live in an age of intolerance, of "them" versus "us", where it is so easy to label someone with a differing opinion as biased, anti-national and worse. Which is why I was not surprised when actor Anupam Kher chose to turn to Twitter to target me as being "insensitive" when I raised a simple question of whether the Shiv Sena's "bravery" would extend to Kashmir and grieving with the widows of slain jawans or was it limited to throwing ink in Mumbai at the organiser of a book release function.

Kher, who is an unabashed BJP supporter, then raised his pet theme, questioning if we had done enough to highlight the cause of Kashmiri Pandits, accusing me of bias. I suggested we debate the issue in the studio and to his credit, Mr Kher appeared on the show last night. So far, so good. On TV, Kher accused me of bias once again without providing a shred of evidence beyond the familiar rhetoric to back his claim (although I do share his concern over the plight of Pandit refugee families who deserve better from the state).

Sadly, the targeting is now par for the course: For this government and its cheerleaders, anyone who disagrees with their view, or raises discomfiting questions is "biased". From writers to TV anchors, anyone who doesn't toe the line is a soft target. The aim is to curtail the right to dissent, to eventually force us to toe the line, to make us "toadies" (Salman Rushdie's words, not mine).

Well, Mr Kher, let me say this: I have the highest respect for your acting talent. Your performance in Saaransh was mind-blowing. But I resent the use of labels: As I said in the programme, no one has a monopoly on patriotism. You can call me all the names you wish, but I will never stop asking questions and will continue to show the mirror of truth to power.

Let me ask a simple question today: Why the silence when the Shiv Sena takes the law into its own hands? Or is the silence a sign of tacit approval? I am a humble journalist: My words and voice will carry less weight than a famous actor. Maybe, you should speak up strongly sir: Else you too could be charged with what you charge the rest of us: "selective outrage".