On October 22, under pressure from political and other outfits, Bollywood film producers announced that they will not engage with Pakistani artists, clearing decks for the smooth release of Karan Johar's "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" as MNS withdrew its threat to stall the screening.
Johar accompanied by Producers' Guild President Mukesh Bhatt had met Fadnavis at his home 'Varsha' in South Mumbai here where Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief, whose party has been opposing the release, was also present.
"Instead of arresting Raj Thackeray for threatening violence, CM brokered a deal between Raj Thackeray and film producers. Who are Raj and Fadnavis to fix price of patriotism?" Nirupam asked.
He also alleged that this would be the first instance in the country where Armed Forces have been dragged into politics.
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"Who gave them authority to ask for Rs 5 crore contribution to Army Welfare Fund? The Army refused the contribution and that was an embarrassment to both Raj and Fadnavis. The CM should apologise to the people," he demanded.
"If this is not done in two three days we will move the court," he said.
Nirupam said when Congress was in power Shiv Sena threatened to disrupt release of "My Name Is Khan" featuring Shah Rukh Khan.
"But our government provided security to all cinema halls," he recalled.
"BJP government has no daring to take on the threat issued by MNS. Instead Fadnavis acted as a broker and it is condemnable," he alleged.
Commander (Retd) Raj Saini, who was present for the briefing, said the defence forces did not need such funds.