Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam today accused Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of "acting as a broker" instead of taking action against Raj Thackery in the MNS-Bollywood stand off over release of Karan Johar's "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan.
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.
"Fadnavis has acted as a broker and instead of taking action against MNS chief Raj Thackeray for threatening violence, the Chief Minister called him to his official residence for talks," Nirupam told reporters here.
"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.
"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.
The Mumbai Congress chief also demanded that details of the meeting between filmmakers, Raj and Fadnavis should be made public.
"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.
"We are happy in what we get. Don't drag us into politics," he added.
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