People need to understand that Imran Khan is a shrewd politician (Deadly Bouncers, April 2). His decision to not share the stage with Salman Rushdie was anchored in pragmatism, not ideology.
Zain, Denver, US
Imran Khan was an infamous playboy with a history of ‘un-Islamic’ activities. He’s just trying to get political mileage out of the Rushdie issue.
Mithilesh, Varanasi
What happened ? How rashdi is allowed in a congress run state ? Wait, the elections in UP are over and muslims there did not buy Congress's stunt. So what is purpose of fighting for it ?
Imran Khan would have been criticized if he had appeared on the same stage with Rushdie. He is now being criticized for not attending. There was no good decision that he could have taken!
Mullahs are playboy too.
Imran Khan was a known playboy and someone who had long history of so called 'un-islamic' things ....by blaming and accusing Rushdie he is just trying to get political mileage...another way to please mullah and the fundamentalist crowd...its this habit of pakistani politician that has made the country slave of amry and mullahs....more it happens the more pakistan will implode..
So it was afterall about Indian state elections. Post elections, he came to India Today Conclave without any issues - pre election of course he couldn't attend Jaipur Litfest even by video.
Imran Khan of course must have decided there is no possible up side attending India Today conclave and that too with Salman Rushdie there - only the risk of downside - so why take - any smart politician wouldn't - and most politicians are street smart if nothing else.
Folks need to understand that Imran Khan is a shrewd politician- it is difficult to pigeon hole him into a certain ideology (conservative, liberal, etc.). Rather he is someone who's pragamatic. His decision to pull out of the conference was not due to the notion that he minds sharing a stage with Salman Rushdie but because he understands that in order to get elected he needs to respect Pakistan's deep religious sensitivities. Therefore his decision was anchored in pragmatism and not ideology.
Imran Khan has shown courage, even statesmanship, if it is not too early in the day for this word to be used, to make peace and friendship with India and a commitment that he will not allow Pakistani soil to be used as a base for terror against India part of his electoral message. If one had a vote in the land of one's grandparents, it would go to him.
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