Abhishek Banerjee, national general secretary of the Trinamul Congress, strongly criticised film and sports personalities, often considered role models, for their silence on the death of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. In an X post, Mr Banerjee urged people not to glorify those who prioritise their careers and comfort over courage and accountability. He said such indifference from these individuals is not new.

They remained silent during the farmers’ agitation, the CAA-NRC movement, and the ongoing crisis in Manipur. Their silence demonstrates a troubling detachment from the struggles of ordinary citizens. “They have built their wealth and fame by leveraging public admiration, yet they shy away from taking even the smallest moral stand when the nation needs them most. The power of 1.4 billion Indians is immense. It’s time we demand integrity and accountability from those we elevate as icons. Let this New Year 2025 mark a shift in our collective consciousness towards valuing those who stand tall for justice, democracy, and the nation’s well-being,” he wrote.

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Mr Banerjee further tweeted: “India has lost one of its greatest statesmen, Dr Manmohan Singh, whose immense knowledge and visionary leadership reshaped the nation’s economy. As the architect of the 1991 economic reforms, his contributions remain unparalleled, steering India onto a path of growth and global recognition. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, reflecting the immense respect he commanded.” “However, it is both shocking and disheartening to see the complete silence from prominent figures in the Sports and Film industries – individuals who are often celebrated as role models. Their reluctance to even acknowledge Dr Singh’s passing raises uncomfortable questions about their priorities, responsibility, and integrity.

It appears this silence is driven by the fear of government backlash, as staying silent on national issues has become the norm for many of these so-called icons.””This pattern of indifference is not new. These same individuals remained silent during the farmers’ protest, the CAANRC movement, and the ongoing crisis in Manipur. Their silence in the face of such critical issues highlights a troubling detachment from the struggles of ordinary citizens. They have built their wealth and fame by leveraging public admiration, yet they shy away from taking even the smallest moral stand when the nation needs them most.” “As we enter a new year, it’s time to reconsider who we look up to as role models.

Let’s stop glorifying those who prioritise their careers and comfort over courage and accountability. Instead, let us honour and support those who truly contribute to our nation and society – our freedom fighters, soldiers, and individuals who sacrificed their lives for the greater good. Let’s channel our energy and resources into meaningful actions: supporting a child’s education, feeding a needy family, or uplifting someone struggling. The power of 1.4 billion Indians is immense. It’s time we demand integrity and accountability from those we elevate as icons. Let this New Year 2025 mark a shift in our collective consciousness towards valuing those who stand tall for justice, democracy, and the nation’s well-being,” he wrote.