India should have one less traitor: UP Navnirman Sena chief books Pakistan ticket for Naseeruddin Shah

Uttar Pradesh Navnirman Sena chief Amit Jani has booked a one-way ticket to Pakistan for Naseerudin Shah. The Times of India has reported that Jani has bought a ticket for August 14, which is Pakistan's Independence Day for Shah who is currently facing major controversy. 

The 68-year-old actor had expressed anxiety over the growing mob violence in a video interview with Karwan-e-Mohabbat India, which the organisation shared on its YouTube channel on Monday. In the interview, the actor expressed concern over the well-being of his children, who he said have not been brought up as followers of any particular religion.

Shah said the "poison has already spread" and it will be now difficult to contain it.

However, the comments haven't gone down well with many people. Echoing with the 'Go to Pakistan' phrase used frequently on social media, Amit Jani has even bought a ticket for Shah. The ticket is for Mumbai to Karachi via Colombo. The ticket has been booked with Sri Lankan airlines and cost over Rs 14,000. Explaining the reason behind his action, Jani said that India should have one less traitor. He also advised Naseeruddin Shah to read the Hanuman Chalisa if he doesn't want to go to Pakistan. 

Wondering why his comments on mob violence were being misconstrued with some people calling him a "traitor", actor Naseeruddin Shah said on Friday that he spoke as a "worried Indian" and has the right to express concerns about the country he loves.

The veteran actor finds himself at the centre of a major controversy over his remarks on the spate of mob lynching cases in the country following the killing of a policeman in Bulandshahr earlier this month.

He said the death of a cow was being given importance over killing of a policeman. 

"What I said earlier was as a worried Indian. I have said this earlier as well. What did I say this time that I am being called a traitor? It is very strange," Shah told reporters here at his alma mater, St Anselm's Senior Secondary School."I have to bear criticism. If they have the right to criticise, then I also have the same right. I am expressing concerns about the country I love, the country that is my home. How is that a crime?" he asked.

Shah was responding to a question about the backlash he is receiving on social media following his remarks. 

With PTI inputs