“You Can Protest Only Because India Is a Democracy”: Annu Kapoor’s Sharp Response to Anti-Government Demonstrations

New Delhi: Bollywood actor Annu Kapoor has sparked a fresh debate with his outspoken remarks on anti-government protests, asserting that the right to demonstrate is guaranteed by democracy but does not extend to violence, rioting or destruction of public property.

Expressing confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the actor said that people dissatisfied with a government have the democratic option of voting it out of power. He also maintained that any government has the authority to take action when protests turn violent or descend into disorder.

‘Democracy Gives You the Right to Protest’
Speaking to a news agency, Annu Kapoor described the idea of opposing a government without recognising democratic processes as immature. He pointed out that citizens who disagree with a particular government or its leadership can express their choice through elections.

He said, “This is a very childish notion. In a democracy, if you wish to change the government—or when general elections arrive—there is a provision: if you do not like a particular government or its leadership, you can vote accordingly. The government will change.”

Highlighting the importance of constitutional freedoms, Kapoor added that the very opportunity to protest exists because India is a democracy. He said the country’s Constitution guarantees citizens the right to express dissent, describing this freedom as a matter of good fortune for Indians.

‘Government Has the Right to Act Against Violence’
The actor drew a distinction between peaceful demonstrations and protests that turn into violence. According to him, when demonstrations lead to rioting, disorder or damage to public property, the government has the authority to intervene and restore order. He said that if a protest escalates into an insurrection or results in destruction of government property, the authorities are entitled to deal with the situation, as governments have done in the past.

‘I Have Complete Faith in PM Modi’
Kapoor also reiterated his confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Responding to suggestions that his support for the government might be motivated by political ambitions, including a Rajya Sabha nomination, the actor dismissed such speculation. He clarified that he had no desire for a Rajya Sabha seat, adding humorously that he was not interested in a seat even in paradise.

Remarks Amid Political Protests Over SIR
Annu Kapoor’s comments come amid protests by opposition parties against the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. His remarks have brought renewed attention to the debate surrounding constitutional freedom, the right to protest and the limits of demonstrations when they involve violence or public property damage.