WTF Wednesday: The political mud-slinging over Sonu Sood's humanitarian service is as short-sighted as the plans to combat the pandemic

Sonu Sood has emerged as one of the heroes of the coronavirus pandemic. The tall, muscular actor who has wowed the masses with films like Dabangg and Simmba, has sent home more than 20,000 migrant workers so far. Along with Neeti Goel, he has been at the forefront of the crisis. People across states, classes and religion have hailed Sonu Sood for his efforts. While he has got some support from certain leaders of some political parties, he was recently called out for being a front of the state's opposition party. In a long article, the mouthpiece of the ruling party slammed him saying he was being used by those with whom he had political affiliations. The article also mocked how the Bollywood villain had got a change of image through this exercise.

We have had quite a few celebrities in politics but none of them have managed to do what Sonu has done without the seal of a political party. The migrant crisis is one of the biggest challenges that the Indian government has faced in a long time. The actor spoke about how the plight of these people walking miles, barefoot, left him sleepless and he decided to swing into action. While the 'political story' behind Sonu Sood's efforts is still unknown, this kind of mud-slinging is totally uncalled for. It is perfectly fine if a few people do not wish to appreciate his work, but diverting his focus at this point is unwarranted. Here's why...

Let us accept that the migrant crisis is as big a problem as the pandemic. These nameless people who find work miles away from home do nation-building in the truest sense of the term. While doctors, cops and healthcare workers are doing their best, the problems of these people also need attention.

The pandemic is increasing in the country. There is a definite need to decongest cities to actually implement the concept of social distancing. These migrants live in slum areas of metro cities. At times, 15 people are crammed in a small room. If someone is making life easier for them, they deserve appreciation and not brickbats.

Sonu Sood has not enlisted the help of any political party in his efforts so far. He is working as part of an initiative and in his personal capacity. The actor has made his hotel available for the cops to rest. The government should acknowledge that Bollywood stars have opened their pockets in a generous manner for the pandemic. But it takes time and consistent effort to do what Sonu Sood has done. With some policy-makers doing nothing beyond debating in newsrooms, it is time for some self-introspection.

When celebrities say they are soft targets, it is not always untrue. There are many who are quick to criticise stars for something as superficial as ruining the morality of future generations by wearing modern clothes. As of now, there is no positive comment from the same people.

If some celebs from opposition parties have indeed come forward and praised Sonu Sood, it is not something to lose sleep over. Every political party knows how much it has truly performed in this moment of crisis. By praising Sonu Sood, they are catering to the common public sentiment, which is that he is the real hero. Anyways, the Indian public is watching and will surely reward the actor when it's real time to do so.

At this point, we only hope that a bit of grace and sensibility prevails on those sitting on high positions.

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