ADHM row: MNS wrong in demanding Rs 5 crore from Karan Johar, concedes Modi govt

The Union government  today conceded that it was wrong on part of MNS leader Raj Thackeray to have asked filmmakers to donate Rs 5 crore to the Army welfare fund for casting Pakistani actors.

"That is a wrong proposal and we don`t agree to it. The Maharashtra Chief Minister (Devendra Fadnavis) has also clarified that he was not part of the proposal," Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said.

Naidu added that it was a deal between MNS and the film producers and that the government has nothing to do with it.

 

"That was a proposal from some other party (Maharashtra Navnirman Sena) and then it was accepted by the (film) producers. That is a matter between them, and the government has no role in that. The government doesn`t subscribe to that proposal," Naidu said.

The Union minister said that it is the duty of the government to provide security, as law and order is a state subject.

"Keeping that in mind, the Chief Minister has taken initiative for the amicable solution of the issue by holding a discussion. Earlier, when people have tried to create disturbance in theatres, they have been arrested," he said, referring to the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) threatening to vandalise theatres if movies featuring Pakistani actors were screened. 

Addressing a CII conference on media and entertainment industry, Naidu without naming Pakistan, flayed the country for aiding and abetting terror. "We want good relations with all including our neighbours. But the neighbour too has to behave like a good neighbour."

"Aiding, abetting, funding and training terrorists, is not acceptable at all. They want to subvert the country. Why are you doing this? This will be ruinous for you also. Let us join together...why this kind of activity? Terrorism is the enemy of humanity," added Naidu.

The minister`s comments came in the wake of protests by MNS workers over Karan Johar`s film "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" which features Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. 

The film`s smooth release, on October 28, was ensured at a meeting of Film Producers’ Guild, producers and MNS chief Raj Thackeray, mediated by the Maharashtra Chief Minister last week. A key demand conceded in the meeting was Rs 5 crore contributions from the filmmakers for the army welfare fund.

(With PTI inputs)