Actor Prakash Raj has likened the BJP to cancer, which was ‘fast spreading across the country, killing its spirit of harmony, secularism and equality.’

“There are many things wrong with other parties. But they are like common cold and fever, compared to the cancer that is spreading fast across the country. It will kill its democracy if not contained,” the outspoken actor was quoted by Deccan Chronicle.

Karnataka goes to crucial assembly polls on 12 May with the ruling Congress, the BJP and the JDS vying to form the next government in the state. The incumbent government is headed by the Congress party’s Siddaramaiah.

Raj, a fierce critic of the Hindutva right-wing politics, revealed how Election Commission officials recently informed him that some of his speeches may violate the election code of conduct.

“I am a citizen and not associated with any political party; I don’t understand how the code of conduct applies to me. Every citizen must have the right to state his opinion, right or wrong. I don’t understand why I can’t say don’t vote for the BJP,” The Hindu quoted him as saying.

Raj said that the JDS leadership had assured him that they will not align with the BJP post assembly poll results in Karnataka. Explaining the motive behind his recent with the JDS chief HD Deve Gowda, Raj said, “There were rumours that the JD(S) will join hands with the BJP post-polls. I wanted to ask Mr. Deve Gowda and H.D. Kumaraswamy directly. They have both assured me that they won’t join hands with the BJP.”