THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal MP on Saturday said that the BJP's criticism of Empuraan is a reflection of the intolerance of the Sangh Parivar. He made these remarks while addressing the media after visiting the protest venue of Anganwadi workers and ASHA workers in front of the Secretariat.

"Films like The Accidental Prime Minister and Emergency were critical of the Congress, yet the BJP had welcomed them. I'm not commenting on the content of Empuraan. Films have always engaged with contemporary politics. It may support some and criticise others. It is all part of freedom of expression. The BJP should think whether it is right to show intolerance only when it is on the receiving end of criticism," Venugopal said.

Referring to a recent Supreme Court ruling, he emphasized the importance of respecting and protecting an individual's right to express their opinions, even if one did not agree with them. "The Supreme Court had quashed the case registered by the Gujarat police against Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi over his poem, criticizing the Gujarat High Court’s refusal to dismiss the case," he said.

"The Supreme Court had asked what was the meaning of human life if even freedom of expression was not permitted. This ruling should be read in the context of the current situation. I'm neither a promoter nor an opponent of the film but I disagree with the practice of praising only those who support one’s views while criticizing everything else," he added.