Actress Rupali Ganguly Faces Backlash Over Social Media Post on PM Modi

NEW DELHI, Aug. 7 — Indian television actress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Rupali Ganguly has come under criticism on social media following a post about Prime Minister Narendra Modi that sparked debate online.

The controversy began after a video circulated on social media allegedly showing a minor displaying disrespectful behaviour toward a photograph of Prime Minister Modi. Reuters could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.

Reacting to the clip on social media platform X, Ganguly wrote, "There should be consequences for insulting the Prime Minister like this. I wish he were a dictator."

The post quickly drew widespread reactions, with many social media users criticizing the actress for what they described as an inappropriate remark in a democratic country.

Several users argued that freedom of expression and criticism are fundamental to democracy, while others said references to dictatorship were unacceptable regardless of the context.

Others defended Ganguly, saying her comments were intended to call for strict legal action against those insulting the country's elected leader rather than to endorse authoritarian rule.

Ganguly joined the BJP last year and has since remained active in commenting on political and social issues, frequently expressing support for Prime Minister Modi on social media.