Assam Actor Barsha Rani a Threat to the Political Establishment?

Guwahati, January 20, 2019:

Barsha Rani Bishaya, a prominent actress from Assam who was recently seen leading an all-women march against the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act, has once again found herself in the crosshairs of internet 'trolls' for her participation in the movement.

Barsha, who has found herself the object of immense scrutiny ever since she joined the protests against the controversial legislation, has been criticized for her clothing and lifestyle habits and trolls have alleged that she is only joining protests for "fame".

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Time and again, detractors, allegedly supporters of the ruling dispensation, have pointed to her craft of acting to discredit her. Lashing out at these 'trolls' (for whom the actress uses the term 'BJP IT cell), Barsha cited the example of Deepika Padukone being targeted after she had attended a JNU protest to show how desperate they are.

"Can't we perform our democratic rights in this country? We have freedom of speech and freedom of expression", Barsha said, adding that artistes are "emotional people" and need to express themselves.

Despite the relentless trolling that she has been subjected to, the 'Ratnakar' actress has resolved not to kowtow to these forces. Stating that this is very "sad", the actress stated that if the alleged 'trolls' believe in Hindutva, they should be reminded that "If you don't respect women, that is very shameful...."

This unfair treatment towards Barsha has been decried by intellectuals. Speaking to Inside Northeast, Ratna Bharali Talukdar, an eminent writer, said: "This is unfortunate. Barsha has been attacked the worst by the trolls. Since Barsha is a key part of the movement, they wish to stifle her as her rise to prominence contradicts their 'Hindutva' policy. The political establishment fears strong voices, which is why they undertake these character assassinations. Barsha has proven to be an unbiased and powerful voice, which is why she has been attacked."

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"People have been unfair to her...we have spoken out against it as it violates the Constitution. 'Hindu Rashtra' designs are leading us down the both of fascism. She has been attacked -- it is organized, that much is clear. However, she is not being attacked because she is a woman...she has been attacked because what she is doing is hurting the certain section of society..", said Arupa Patangia Kalita, noted litterateur, decrying the attacks.

Barsha has been at the forefront of the protests in Assam against the Citizenship Amendment Act and has received much criticism from the supporters of the BJP party, who have condemned her for her anti-CAA stand.

However, the actress, refusing to feel daunted, has continued lambasting the ruling party and its leaders for bowing to alleged 'Hindutva' forces and going through with the imposition of the CAA that supposedly poses a threat to the culture, language, and identity of Assam.

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