In the aftermath of the high-profile murder of Baba Siddique, the political and public discourse has taken a sharp turn, with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ramchander Bishnoi calling for Bollywood actor Salman Khan to publicly apologize to the Bishnoi community. This comes as tensions simmer between the community and the actor, known for his past legal troubles related to the poaching of blackbucks—an animal revered by the Bishnois.
The tragic death of Baba Siddique has triggered widespread reactions, but the recent remarks by the BJP MP have added a new layer to the controversy. The Bishnoi community, known for its staunch protection of wildlife and deep-rooted cultural ties to the blackbuck, has long been at odds with Khan due to his 1998 conviction in a blackbuck poaching case.
Speaking to the media, MP Ramchander Bishnoi stated, “Salman Khan has hurt the sentiments of the Bishnoi community. The murder of Baba Siddique has worsened the situation, and it is high time that Khan offers an apology to the community, which feels disrespected.”
The Bishnoi community has been vocal about their displeasure with Khan for decades, and while the actor has largely moved on from the case after multiple legal proceedings, the emotional and cultural wounds remain unhealed for many Bishnois. The call for an apology has now been amplified in the wake of the tragedy involving Siddique, though it remains unclear if there is a direct link between the murder and the earlier tensions involving the blackbuck case.
As the investigation into Baba Siddique’s death continues, there are growing concerns about rising communal tensions. The demand for an apology from a high-profile figure like Salman Khan could have significant implications, especially given the actor’s influence and his association with past controversies that still resonate deeply within certain communities.
So far, Khan has not responded to the MP’s statements, and his legal team has refrained from making any public comments. Meanwhile, political leaders, activists, and social commentators are closely watching the situation unfold.