The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday defended the Maharashtra government's directive to multiplexes across the state to screen regional Marathi films during prime time slot as a valid move to encourage Marathi culture.
"It is the duty of Maharashtra government to encourage Marathi culture, a valid move to protect and thrive its language," said BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao.
Earlier, Maharashtra Culture Minister, Vinod Tawde said the government's move was aimed at promoting Marathi movies.
The Broadcast Editors Association (BEA) however, condemned the decision as illegal, adding that it reflected linguistic and regional chauvinism.
The Maharashtra government is also considering making the screening of a documentary on Dadasaheb Phalke mandatory before every movie.
