Multiplex tweet row: RPI protests outside De's house, seeks

Hours after Shiv Sena workers demonstrated outside the residence of noted columnist Shobhaa De here today for 'mocking' Marathi delicacies, workers of the Republican Party of India (Athawale) also staged a protest seeking her apology for 'disrespecting' the local cuisine.
Over a dozen protesters carrying Maharashtrian snacks such as 'Vada Paav', 'Misal Paav', 'Poha' gathered outside De's Cuff Parade residence in South Mumbai and sent them to her through security guards.
RPI, a constituent of NDA led by BJP, has demanded De's apology over her 'mocking' tweet in which she said that 'Marathi delicacies will be available in theatres instead of popcorn.'

The tweet came in the wake of government's move asking private multiplexes in the state to screen Marathi movies in prime slot of 6-9 PM.
"Until she apologises and gets the taste of Maharashtra, we would continue to send her typical Marathi food every day. Tomorrow, we will offer her Konkani fish curry and rice Bhakari," said RPI (A) spokesperson Mayur Borkar.
However, De appears to have dug in her heels against Sena as she tweeted later in the day, "Thank you, Shiv Sena. Delicious!".

Meanwhile, ruling BJP has also expressed its displeasure over De's earlier tweets criticising government's move to reserve prime time slot for Marathi movies.

"She (De) says she is proud of being a 'Marathi Mulgi' (girl), but the way she insulted the culture of Maharashtra, it is not acceptable under any circumstances," said Mumbai unit general secretary of party Amarjeet Mishra.
He said De should have lauded the efforts of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in promoting Marathi language which is "losing its sheen due to market force".
"But instead of praising the CM, she ridiculed and termed his efforts as 'Dadagiri'," Mishra said referring to De's tweet in which she had said, "I love Marathi movies. Let me decide when and where to watch them, Devendra Fadnavis. This is nothing but Dadagiri."

Incidentally, the government today amended its earlier decision on reserving prime time slots for Marathi movies in multiplexes.
As per the fresh decision, Marathi films can be screened on any one screen in multiplexes any time between 12 noon to 9 PM, depending on the demand of the producer to the exhibitor.