'There Has To Be A Line Somewhere': Sushmita Dev On Capital Protests
In an interview with TV news network India Today, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev addressed government crackdowns on protests, the controversy surrounding Tiranga unfurling, and the notice served to actor Imran Khan. Refuting allegations of stifling dissent, Dev asserted, "no one was arrested for showing the Tiranga," clarifying that arrests occurred due to violations of orders based on a Supreme Court ruling regarding restricted protest zones like Jantar Mantar. Discussing security measures in the national capital, she emphasized national security and the risk of unrest, asking, "are we going to allow protesters to enter our parliaments to create unrest in the capital?" While acknowledging that peaceful demonstration is a democratic entitlement, Dev maintained that boundaries must exist. Addressing questions on actor Imran Khan and foreign influence, she endorsed concerns regarding foreign funding, while sharply criticizing opposition leaders for disparaging the country abroad and negatively impacting India's global reputation.