Lucknow, January 15, 2026
UP Minister Backtracks on ‘Anti-National’ Label for Bollywood Star
A Uttar Pradesh minister publicly reversed course on accusations leveled against a prominent actor, shifting blame to a different Bollywood figure.
- Uttar Pradesh minister Raghuraj pratap Singh initially labeled actor Salman Khan as “anti-national.”
- Singh now claims his remarks were mistakenly directed at Shah Rukh Khan.
- Teh minister cited differing responses to crises in Pakistan and Bangladesh as justification for his criticism of Shah Rukh Khan.
- This isn’t Singh’s first public controversy, with past remarks drawing criticism.
Uttar Pradesh minister raghuraj Pratap Singh has walked back strong accusations against Bollywood actor Salman Khan, stating that his earlier comments were actually intended for Shah Rukh Khan. The minister initially claimed Salman Khan was “anti-national” and suggested he relocate to Pakistan, but now asserts this was a case of mistaken identity.
Singh addressed the media on Thursday to clarify his position, explaining that he had intended to criticize Shah Rukh Khan’s actions and statements.He accused Shah Rukh Khan of donating Rs 265 crore whenever Pakistan faces trouble and speaking out against mob lynching in India, while remaining silent on issues affecting hindus in Bangladesh.
“Salman Khan is a good actor. I had said this about Shah Rukh Khan,” Singh stated, as quoted by India Today. “Whenever Pakistan faces trouble, he donates Rs 265 crore and speaks out about mob lynching in India.Conversely, when Hindus are being killed in Bangladesh, Shah Rukh Khan remains silent.I mentioned Shah Rukh Khan, but mistakenly referred to Salman Khan.”
This isn’t the first time Singh has stirred controversy. He previously drew attention for his remarks regarding Holi celebrations, advising those wishing to avoid being covered in color shoudl protect themselves with tarpaulin. “Anyone who wants to avoid colours during Holi should cover themselves with a tarpaulin,just like Muslim women wear hijabs. Men should also do the same to protect their caps and clothes. If they can’t do this,they should stay at home,” Singh said.
The minister’s shifting statements have sparked debate and raised questions about the basis for his initial accusations against Salman Khan.
Why did this happen? Raghuraj Pratap Singh initially misdirected his criticism,intended for Shah Rukh Khan,towards Salman Khan,labeling the latter “anti-national.” Who was involved? The key figures are Uttar Pradesh minister Raghuraj Pratap Singh, actors Salman Khan and Shah rukh khan. What occurred? Singh publicly retracted his statements about Salman Khan, blaming a mistake and redirecting his accusations to Shah Rukh Khan based on differing responses to crises in Pakistan and Bangladesh. How did it end? Singh attempted to clarify his position, claiming a simple error in identifying the actor, though the incident has drawn criticism and raised questions about the basis of his initial claims. No formal apology was issued to either actor.
